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Golden Cancels Fireworks Show, Implements Fire Ban

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- Golden is the latest city in Colorado to cancel their 4th of July fireworks show.

The City of Golden also announced a fire ban that will include recreational fires, charcoal grilling and smoking in public places. This ban is similar to what was put in place one year ago because of dry weather conditions.

The ban will go into effect Friday at 8 a.m.

"Firefighter resources are stretched thin state-wide and fuels are extremely dry," said Golden Fire Chief John Bales. "That is why it is more important than ever to try to prevent another wildfire from happening."

The Golden Parks Department will place bags over all the charcoal grills in the parks in the city. Charcoal grills on both public and private land are off limits.

The ban also restricts tiki torches, chimineas, portable fire places, fire pits, model rockets and fireworks.

Golden's popular 4th of July Festival will continue as scheduled but the fireworks show will be rescheduled for a later date which has not been determined.

The fire ban does not include gas grills, gas fire pits, gas stoves, gas lanterns or gas heating devices.

"Basically, if you can turn it on and off, it's ok. If it has to be extinguished, it is not ok," said Bales.

The Golden Fire and Police Departments will actively patrol and look for violators. Anyone caught breaking the rules will face a fine of up to $999 and/or up to 180 days in jail.

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