Larimer County, CO Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Colorado fireworks law is at C.R.S. 12-28-101 et seq. Section 12-28-101(8) defines 'permissible fireworks' as small ground-based devices that produce visual or audible effects without exploding or leaving the ground - cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, wheels, ground spinners, sparklers, snakes, and toy smoke devices. All other fireworks - aerials, mortars, firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M-80s, cherry bombs - are illegal in Colorado without a state display license issued by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control under C.R.S. 12-28-103. C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(n.7) authorizes counties to prohibit or restrict fireworks (including permissible fireworks) for up to one year in unincorporated areas, with the May 31-July 5 window requiring an express finding of high fire danger. Larimer County is at extreme wildfire risk: the Cameron Peak Fire (August-December 2020) burned 208,913 acres in Larimer and Jackson Counties and is the largest wildfire in Colorado history, and the East Troublesome Fire (October 2020) burned 193,812 acres into Rocky Mountain National Park. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office routinely issues Stage 1 fire restrictions under C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(n.7), which prohibit fireworks of any kind, open burning, and other ignition sources. Recent restrictions have been issued by elevation zone: below 6,000 feet, 6,000-9,000 feet, and above 9,000 feet, allowing more targeted fire-danger response. Stage 2 restrictions add bans on smoking outdoors, off-road vehicle travel, and most outdoor flame. Sky lanterns are always prohibited under restrictions. Public fireworks displays may continue when conducted by a qualified pyrotechnic operator in compliance with the International Fire Code and approved by the local fire authority. Cities within Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park) have their own fireworks bans that often go beyond state law. Estes Park, surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, applies tight restrictions year-round given the surrounding fuel load.