Police, Firefighters Crack Down On Illegal Fireworks Over 4th
DENVER (CBS4)- Police officers and firefighters are teaming up to patrol the streets for illegal fireworks over the 4th of July holiday weekend.
They'll start in neighborhoods where fireworks are a known problem. On Friday, crews responded to a few small fires ignited by fireworks.
"It makes for a really busy and dangerous time for our crews, the public and citizens, it's best to leave it to the professionals," said Denver Fire Department spokeswoman Melissa Taylor.
Fire crews demonstrated how quickly a small firework explosion can become a big problem, especially if the conditions are hot and dry.
In Denver, all fireworks are illegal, including snakes and sparklers. If it lights or ignites it is off limits.
Denver Fire admits it can be confusing for some people who live in areas where the line between legal and illegal is blurred.
"Even though you can buy fireworks in the area around the City and County of Denver, you can't bring them back in," said Taylor.
The fines for setting off fireworks in the Denver city limits is nearly $1,000 and up to a year in jail.
Firefighters urge everyone to see a professional fireworks display in their neighborhood. Check out the CBS4 fireworks guide here.