The Castle Rock Police Department and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue are reminding the community to have a safe and responsible Independence Day celebration. By following all laws pertaining to fireworks, residents can help keep the Town’s first responders available for emergencies.
If enjoying personal fireworks, please note any fireworks that leave the ground, explode or break off into pieces are illegal and subject to seizure, summons and/or fines. Permissible fireworks may be purchased at firework vendors throughout Town and may only be used on July 4 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. per the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code. If a fire ban is in place, no personal fireworks are allowed.
CRPD is adjusting both patrol and dispatch staffing for July 4 in preparation for a higher-than-normal call volume. To report the use of illegal fireworks in the Town, residents are asked to call CRPD’s dispatch center at 303-663-6100. When reporting, please note the following:
- Police should be notified while the fireworks are in progress
- Callers should have a specific address or intersection where the fireworks are taking place
- Callers can only report illegal fireworks via the dispatch center. Social media channels are not monitored 24/7, and first responders cannot be dispatched using these means
- For all emergencies, dial 911
In addition to the numerous calls regarding fireworks, CRPD typically experiences a larger call volume on holidays – including the Fourth of July. The community’s patience is appreciated while first responders attend to all calls for service.
If using personal fireworks, CRFD reminds residents to keep them away from dry grass, homes and anything flammable. Additionally, parents should closely supervise their children, set expectations for proper behavior and monitor their activities if using permissible fireworks. For additional information regarding fireworks in the Town including links to the Municipal Code, please visit CRgov.com/Fireworks.
The Fire Department offers the following fireworks safety and injury facts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- According to the NFPA, fireworks start over 19,000 fires and send over 9,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S.
- In 2021, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,500 people for fireworks related injuries; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for almost one-quarter (23%) of the estimated 2021 injuries.
- An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local US fire departments in 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
- Even sparklers can be dangerous. Sparklers can get up to 1200 degrees. They also account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
In honor of Independence Day, the Town is hosting a full day of fun for the entire family to enjoy. The event culminates with an Independence Day drone show, which replaces the fireworks display of years past. To learn more about the Castle Rockin’ the Fourth event, please visit CRgov.com/July4.
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