Boulder County, CO Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Aerial/audible fireworks
- Banned statewide (CRS 24-33.5)
- During fire ban
- All fireworks prohibited
- Authority to ban
- Board or Sheriff
- First-offense fine
- $500 civil infraction
- Ban trigger
- High Danger Conditions
Summary
Under Ordinance 2023-1, the Board or Sheriff can ban all open fires including the sale and use of fireworks. During any fire ban or High Danger Conditions, no fireworks of any kind are permitted in unincorporated Boulder County. Bans are common every summer.
The Open Fire ban may also ban the sale, in addition to the use, of Fireworks. During High Danger Conditions, no Person shall: 1. Engage in any activity that produces or maintains... an ignition source for an Open Fire; or 2. Sell or use Fireworks.
Full Breakdown
Colorado law (CRS 24-33.5-2001) allows only "permissible fireworks" (ground-based fountains, sparklers, snakes) and bans aerial and audible devices like firecrackers statewide. Boulder County's Ordinance 2023-1 goes further: the Open Fire ban "may also ban the sale, in addition to the use, of Fireworks," and during High Danger Conditions (Red Flag Warning, High Wind Warning/Watch, Fire Weather Watch) no person shall "Sell or use Fireworks." Because the unincorporated county is high wildfire risk, a fireworks ban is in effect nearly every Fourth of July. Check the Sheriff and NWS before any use.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section II is a civil infraction: $500 first offense, $750 second, $1,000 each subsequent. Causing a fire also means reimbursing responding agencies for their costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks on July 4th in unincorporated Boulder County?
Who declares the fireworks ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boulder County
How Boulder County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Boulder County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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