Only 'permissible fireworks' under Colorado C.R.S. 12-28-101(8) - sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, and snakes - are legal in Colorado. All aerial devices, firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and audible explosives are illegal statewide. Adams County and its fire protection districts (including North Metro Fire Rescue) routinely ban all fireworks during fire restrictions under C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(n.7). Sky lanterns are always prohibited.
Colorado fireworks law is found at C.R.S. 12-28-101 et seq. (Title 12, Article 28). C.R.S. 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 (up to 75 g per tube, 200 g total), cone fountains (up to 50 g per cone, 200 g total), 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 license under C.R.S. 12-28-103 (display permits issued by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control). 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. Adams County enacts annual or seasonal fire restrictions through Sheriff's Office orders: Level 1 restrictions ban open burning and outdoor smoking; Level 2 bans nearly all outdoor flame including charcoal grills and pellet smokers, with only propane and indoor fireplaces allowed. Sky lanterns are always prohibited countywide. Most of unincorporated Adams County is within the North Metro Fire Rescue District, which prohibits all fireworks that explode or leave the ground year-round. Cities in Adams County (Thornton, Westminster, Northglenn, Federal Heights, Brighton) have their own fireworks bans that often go beyond state law.
Use or possession of non-permissible fireworks is a Class 3 misdemeanor under C.R.S. 12-28-110 - punishable by a fine of up to $750 and/or jail. Violation of a county fire ban under C.R.S. 30-15-401(1)(n.7) is a Class 2 petty offense punishable by a fine. Causing a wildfire while violating a fire ban can be charged as fourth-degree arson (C.R.S. 18-4-105) or higher.
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