Boulder County, CO Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Colorado state law (CRS 12-28-101 through 12-28-203) classifies fireworks as 'permissible fireworks' (e.g., cylindrical and cone fountains, dipped sticks, sparklers, snakes, ground spinners) and 'fireworks' (everything explosive or aerial - illegal for consumer use without a state permit). Local governments may further restrict permissible fireworks. Boulder County Ordinance 2023-1 (adopted July 12, 2023) governs fire bans and open burning in unincorporated Boulder County and authorizes the Sheriff and Board of County Commissioners to declare Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions under CRS 30-15-401(n.5)(II). When restrictions are in effect, the use, sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks of any kind - including state-permissible items - is prohibited in the affected unincorporated areas, along with fuses, blasting caps, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition. Western mountain Boulder County (Boulder Creek canyon, the Foothills, Nederland, Allenspark, Ward, Jamestown) is treated as a year-round high wildfire risk after the Marshall Fire (December 2021), CalWood Fire (2020), and NCAR Fire (2022); fireworks are routinely banned in those areas through summer and into late fall. The most recent confirmed action is the Boulder County Stage 1 fire restrictions enacted December 22, 2025, for unincorporated Plains areas. Violations are charged as civil infractions, with fines up to $500 per Ordinance 2023-1. Report violations to the Boulder County Sheriff non-emergency line 303-441-4444.