Eagle County, CO Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Fireworks in Eagle County are governed by Colorado state law (CRS Title 24, Article 33.5, Part 20 — the Fireworks Act), Eagle County Sheriff fire-restriction orders, and municipal ordinances in incorporated towns (Vail, Avon, Eagle, Gypsum, Minturn, Red Cliff, Basalt). CRS 24-33.5-2001(11) defines 'permissible fireworks' as small ground-based devices like cylindrical/cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches, dipped sticks and sparklers, snakes/glow worms, and toy smoke devices, none of which may contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition. Anything that detonates, explodes, rises into the air, or travels laterally — including firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s, bottle rockets, mortars, and Roman candles — is an illegal 'fireworks' device under CRS 24-33.5-2001(8) and unlawful to possess or discharge anywhere in Colorado. CRS 24-33.5-2002 prohibits furnishing fireworks to anyone under 16, and persons under 16 may only use permissible fireworks under direct adult supervision where local law allows. The Eagle County Sheriff's Office automatically imposes Stage 1 fire restrictions in unincorporated Eagle County (excluding federal lands) whenever the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning. Stage 1 prohibits ALL personal use of fireworks (professional permitted displays remain allowed), open burning on undeveloped land, charcoal/wood fires outside permanent fire pits, and use of internal-combustion engines without spark arresters. Stage 2 escalates the ban: open fires of any kind, recreational shooting outside designated ranges, and outdoor welding without permit are all prohibited. Fireworks are always banned on Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service (White River National Forest surrounds Eagle County), and National Park Service lands under federal regulation 36 CFR 261.52 and 43 CFR 8365. The Town of Vail Fire Code prohibits all personal fireworks year-round inside town limits regardless of county-level restrictions; only professional pyrotechnic displays permitted by the Vail Fire Marshal are allowed. Public displays anywhere in Eagle County require a permit under CRS 24-33.5-2003 from the local fire authority (Eagle River Fire Protection District, Greater Eagle Fire Protection District, Gypsum Fire Protection District, or Vail Fire & Emergency Services depending on location), with a licensed pyrotechnic operator and proof of liability insurance.