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Glenwood fireworks still on, but burn restrictions enacted

The fireworks display last year at the Fourth of July Celebration at Two Rivers Park.
Chelsea Self / Post Independent

Glenwood Springs is proceeding with its planned July 4th fireworks display at Two Rivers Park, however the city is putting fire restrictions in place within city limits effective Saturday due to the increasing fire danger.

Fire Chief Gary Tillotson has determined that the risk of fire from the city’s fireworks event is low, due to the location and the use of low-altitude fireworks rather than having a large aerial display, according to a city news release.

This is the second straight year that the city has used the low-profile fireworks, which are best viewed from the park itself at the conclusion of the city’s Independence Day celebration. Event details can be found at http://www.cogs.us/372/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.

Meanwhile, as Stage 1 fire restrictions have been implemented on all unincorporated private lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within Garfield County, the city is also enacting fire restrictions.

The following restrictions will be strictly enforced, according to city officials:

  • No fires/campfires/stove fires. Personal gas and charcoal grills in developed areas are allowed.
  • No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter and that is barren or cleared of vegetation.
  • No operating of any combustion engine, including chainsaws, without an approved spark arrester properly installed, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher, and a round-point shovel readily available for use.
  • No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
  • No use of an explosive,  such as blasting caps, exploding targets, tracer rounds, model rockets, etc.
  • No fireworks. Toy caps, sparklers and smoke snakes shall be permitted.

“The city would like to remind everyone that even when fire restrictions are not in place, the sale or use of most types of fireworks is unlawful,” Police Chief Terry Wilson said in the release.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, he said, such as sparklers and toy caps

“If it leaves the ground or goes boom, it’s illegal,” Wilson said.

The city fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. Violators will receive a summons into municipal court on a misdemeanor charge. The potential maximum fine for a violation is $1,000.

In addition, the city has several smoking restrictions in place year-round in an effort to reduce public exposure to second-hand smoke. Smoking is not permitted in the following outdoor areas:

  • Within 50 feet of any child care center or school
  • In the downtown area, between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Within 25 feet of a transit stop
  • In any park, parkland or recreation area or facility
  • Within 25 feet of any common, active or passive open space

Glenwood Springs police are stepping up enforcement of the smoking restrictions. Anyone caught violating the smoking ordinance can be fined up to $200 for a first violation, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each additional violation within a calendar year.

 


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