High Fire Danger Creates Amplified Concern Over Illegal Fireworks

DENVER (CBS4)- Some homeowners are worried those fireworks being set off in neighborhoods across Colorado will set fires in their yards. Police in Denver have confiscated about 6,000 pounds of fireworks in the past few days.

High fire danger makes those illegal fireworks extremely dangerous. Wind, hot temperatures and low moisture already make fireworks a hazard in Denver, one of the reasons they are illegal in the City and County of Denver, along with many other communities along the Front Range.

Fireworks in Inspiration Park caused a fire Thursday morning that came close to reaching nearby homes.

"I was up at midnight watching it, waiting for the firemen. It's shocking when you find the remnants in your backyard. I'm afraid they don't realize how dry things are," said a resident in the northwest Denver neighborhood.

Firefighters arrived before homes or property could be damaged.

The Denver Fire Department says despite the lack of professional fireworks displays in Denver this year, many are still happening in the Metro area. Police in Denver have confiscated about 6,000 pounds of fireworks in the past few days.

Fireworks went off near Inspiration Park when CBS4's Tori Mason spoke to Denver Fire Public Information Officer, Captain Greg Pixley, about Thursday's incident.

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"Either an errant firework or sparks from a firework started the brush in the trees and it created quite a significant fire. People don't understand what a little bit of wind, high temperatures and low moisture content will do in allowing a fire to really take off," said Pixley.

Setting off fireworks in Denver is illegal and can result in a $1,000 fine or a year in jail.

The Denver Police Department has a non-emergency number for people to report illegal fireworks: 720-913-2059.