How to report illegal fireworks in Colorado

While we enjoy celebrating Independence Day like anyone else, we can sympathize with those who have children or pets who experience anxiety around this time of year.

With that in mind, if you need to make a complaint regarding “illegal” fireworks, we’ve complied a list of how to contact your law enforcement agency. In all cases, if there is no fire or injury, please don’t call 911.

Fireworks that explode or launch into the air are prohibited in Colorado, but some people still use them during the Fourth of July. The only fireworks allowed in the state must contain less than 50 milligrams of explosive material, as stated by Colorado law.

It is important to note that calling 911 to report illegal fireworks can overwhelm dispatch calls, so it is best to reserve 911 for cases of injury or fire that pose a threat to life or property.

When reporting the illegal use of fireworks, it is helpful to provide accurate information, including a specific address, to the relevant agencies. Here’s how some agencies across the metro area are asking people to report illegal fireworks:

Adams County

Residents of unincorporated Adams County should call the  non-emergency number: 303-288-1535.

Arapahoe County

If you live in unincorporated Arapahoe County including Centennial, Bennett, Foxfield and Deer Trail, you can report illegal fireworks to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 303-795-4711.

Arvada

To report fireworks complaints, call 720-898-6919.

 Aurora

The city has set up a fireworks reporting hotline at 303-627-5678. Residents can also report online.

Boulder

Boulder residents are asked to call the City of Boulder’s non-emergency line at 303-441-3333.

Boulder County

Call the non-emergency number 303-441-4444

Brighton

Brighton Police Department non-emergency line: 303-288-1535.

Broomfield

Most fireworks are illegal within North Metro Fire Rescue District, which includes the City and County of Broomfield. You can call the non-emergency number: 303-438-6400.

Commerce City 

It is illegal to possess, make, use, or sell fireworks – even small sparklers – within Commerce City and on June 18 city council held an emergency ordinance and voted to increase the fine to $500 for the first offense and $750 for each subsequent offense. Call the non-emergency line at 303-288-1535.

Denver

The Denver Police Department said there are two ways to report the use or sale of illegal fireworks in the Mile High City: online, or by calling 720-913-2000.

Douglas County

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has a fireworks hotline that people can use to report illegal fireworks by calling 303-814-7118, which will be active on evenings from July 3 to 6. If you are calling outside of those times, use the non-emergency line at 303-660-7500

Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is asking those reporting to have witnessed the fireworks and provide a specific address. This can be done by calling the fireworks information line at 303-980-7340. You can also report illegal fireworks use online here or on the JeffCom911 app.

 Lakewood 

By Lakewood city ordinance, all fireworks are prohibited except professional displays. This includes items like sparklers, Roman candles, and smoke bombs. Fines for illegal fireworks can reach $2,650. To report illegal fireworks in progress call 303-980-7340.

Go to the Lakewood Together page, where you can drop a pin to show where you’re hearing or seeing illegal fireworks activity. Placing a pin does not dispatch a police agent to the location but helps locate areas for future education and enforcement efforts.

Longmont

Longmont has set up an online tool  to report illegal fireworks or you can contact the fireworks call center at 303-774-4731.

Northglenn

Call the Northglenn non-emergency number: 303-288-1535.

Parker

The Parker Police Department has an online tool  to report the illegal use of fireworks.

Thornton

All fireworks are illegal in Thornton. Call the non-emergency line 720-977-5124 to report fireworks being used. The first violation will result in a mandatory minimum fine of $500. A second violation within 12 months will result in a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000.

Weld County

Call the Weld County non-emergency number:  970-350-9600.

Westminster

To report illegal use of fireworks, call the non-emergency line 303-658-4360. Some fireworks are permissible in Westminster. Those include any that are “non-explosive” and not intended to leave the ground or create a loud noise.

Wheat Ridge

All fireworks are illegal in Wheat Ridge. If you see fireworks being used, please do not call 911. Special call takers will be on duty to take fireworks calls at 303-980-7340, now through July 4 from 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

If your area isn’t listed, you should look up the non-emergency line of your law enforcement agency.

Colorado state law proscribes that the use of illegal fireworks can result in fines of up to $750 and possible jail time. Read the law here.

Please have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday.

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