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For Immediate Release • July 2, 2012
Staff Contact: Rigo Leal, Public Information Office,
303-651-8840
View the most recent Press Releases.
JULY 2, 2012 – Citing public safety concerns and sympathy for its neighboring communities, the City of Longmont has cancelled it's annual fourth of July Fireworks Show.
"The sentiment in our community is certainly one-sided towards canceling the display," said Public Safety Chief Mike Butler. "The last three nights, our police and firefighters were patrolling the City and over three nights, we received a total of 12 calls for service related to fireworks. At least for three nights, our community, in an unprecedented way, is saying we do not want fireworks in our community." See a video message from Chief Butler attached to the bottom of this news release.
Butler also is concerned about public safety. He said that there is always an outside chance that an wayward ember could travel outside the zone we are protecting and start a fire, albeit that is remote. The City has received communications from neighbors who own adjoining land who have asked to cancel the fireworks display because their fields are drier than they have ever been.
Moreover, Longmont has banned the sale and use of all fireworks in the city, including those that were previously allowed. Remember that illegal fireworks (anything that left the ground) were not sold and have always been banned in Longmont. What the new ban does is stop the sales of sparklers, fountains, and snakes which were things that did not leave the ground. Fireworks of any kind are not permitted on private property, Longmont city streets, parks, golf courses, and other public areas. You can be fined up to $500 and be sentenced to 90 days in jail for using illegal fireworks. Longmont Police and Fire departments will be working to keep neighborhoods safe and ticket those who are not in compliance.
The annual display is normally held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The public is encouraged to celebrate the fourth with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra at its annual free Independence Day concert at noon in Thompson Park, 4th Avenue and Bross Street. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic lunch.
HOW TO REPORT A FIREWORKS COMPLAINT
The public is reminded to use the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 303-651-8501, to register fireworks complaints. Remember that 9-1-1 is reserved for real emergencies. The caller may choose to remain anonymous or be identified in the course of the complaint. Anonymous calls will be aired to police units in the field, and if a unit is available it will respond to the area of the complaint. If the caller can identify the responsible person(s) for illegal fireworks use and is willing to pursue enforcement action as a witness, then an officer will be assigned the call. When a police officer arrives on site and confirms the misuse of fireworks or use of illegal fireworks, the officer will take the appropriate enforcement action. Offenders can be fined up to $500 and/or punishment of up to 90 days in jail for illegal possession and use of fireworks.
For specific details regarding fireworks please visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/fire/fire_safety/fireworks.htm
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