Fireworks Lovers Have A Legal Alternative Just Across The Border
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - As the Fourth of July holiday gets closer police are seeing more people with illegal fireworks and some people are going to great lengths to get them.
In Colorado a good rule of thumb is anything that explodes or leaves the ground is probably illegal. But that doesn't stop people from heading just across the border to Wyoming to shop for fireworks
"We got roman candles and fountains and artilleries," said a Colorado man who didn't want to be identified.
The man showed CBS4's Lauren DiSpirito the fireworks he plans to set off this holiday weekend.
"All of our neighbors, they come up here and we just tend to joke about it, it's kind of a joke," he said.
He says fireworks and The Fourth are a tradition even law can't separate.
"It is what it is, at your own risk, you're going to get a ticket, but it's well worth it to see the kids' faces light up."
Because Colorado law does not allow people to ignite most of what's sold just across the Wyoming border, stores sponsor the Laramie County Safe Shoot Site.
"Just another alternative to do it the legal way," said Ben Laws, manager at the Black Cat Fireworks Outlet.
Laws says it's a popular free spot to launch fireworks during the Fourth of July weekend.
"It's open to the public as long as you buy your fireworks here in Laramie County from any of the participating retailers," he said.
For others it's both law and the potential for a devastating outcome that determines what they buy.
"Trying to stay away from some the ones that are dangerous," Rob Frederick from El Paso County said. "We don't want fires, obviously."
Those who just want to watch fireworks instead of setting off their own can find a list of fireworks shows in CBSDenver.com's Independence Eve section.
The Colorado State Patrol told CBS4 they work on awareness only -- meaning if they were to stop someone for a traffic violation and see fireworks, then they would act. The State Patrol said that it's illegal to possess certain fireworks even if people are just transporting them.
Additional Resourses
LINK: Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks in the State of Colorado
Details On The Laramie County 2015 Fireworks Safe Shoot Site
- Must be over 18 to set off fireworks
- Can only bring in fireworks purchased from participating retailers: Black Cat Fireworks Outlet, Pyro City PRO Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks, USA Fireworks, Wholesale Fireworks
- Open July 1-4, 8 p.m. to midnight
- I-25 and Exit 7, go east approximately 6/10th of a mile to 2275 West College Drive on the south side of the road
