Forth
Boulder cancels Fourth of July fireworks show in wake of Flagstaff Fire
Posted: 06/27/2012 09:04:24 AM MDT
By: Mitchell Byars, Camera
Officials announced today that the annual Ralphie's Independence Day Blast fireworks show on the Fourth of July has been cancelled amid fire concerns as crews fight the Flagstaff Fire just west of the city.
"Public safety was our primary concern in deciding to cancel the fireworks show," Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam said in a statement. "Given the current fire in south Boulder, along with fires in neighboring cities and extremely dry conditions, the public safety risk to the Boulder community is significant.
"Given the dangers and Colorado's statewide fire restrictions, it would be irresponsible to launch 4,000 fireworks over the city this year."
Boulder Fire Marshal Dave Lowrey was originally going to make a decision on the Folsom Field fireworks show on Friday, but in light of the Flagstaff Fire -- which started Tuesday afternoon and has reached 230 acres -- he elected to cancel the show earlier..
"We know it's disappointing to celebrate the Fourth of July without fireworks, but it would be a real tragedy if we went forward and someone's home caught fire as a result," Lowrey said in a statement.
Officials also warned that individuals should not set off fireworks on their own. It is illegal to possess or use fireworks within the city, and there is also a fireworks ban in unincorporated Boulder County.
City officials said they have no plans to hold any sort of celebration at Folsom Field this year. The last time the city cancelled its fireworks show, in 2002, the city instead held a laser show to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Elsewhere in Boulder County, Jamestown has elected to cancel its fireworks show, while Nederland will delay its show, possibly until July 28. Louisville and Lafayette are set to discuss their fireworks shows and make a decision later this week. Erie and Longmont are both scheduled to hold their fireworks displays as planned."
Posted: 06/27/2012 09:04:24 AM MDT
By: Mitchell Byars, Camera
Officials announced today that the annual Ralphie's Independence Day Blast fireworks show on the Fourth of July has been cancelled amid fire concerns as crews fight the Flagstaff Fire just west of the city.
"Public safety was our primary concern in deciding to cancel the fireworks show," Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam said in a statement. "Given the current fire in south Boulder, along with fires in neighboring cities and extremely dry conditions, the public safety risk to the Boulder community is significant.
"Given the dangers and Colorado's statewide fire restrictions, it would be irresponsible to launch 4,000 fireworks over the city this year."
Boulder Fire Marshal Dave Lowrey was originally going to make a decision on the Folsom Field fireworks show on Friday, but in light of the Flagstaff Fire -- which started Tuesday afternoon and has reached 230 acres -- he elected to cancel the show earlier..
"We know it's disappointing to celebrate the Fourth of July without fireworks, but it would be a real tragedy if we went forward and someone's home caught fire as a result," Lowrey said in a statement.
Officials also warned that individuals should not set off fireworks on their own. It is illegal to possess or use fireworks within the city, and there is also a fireworks ban in unincorporated Boulder County.
City officials said they have no plans to hold any sort of celebration at Folsom Field this year. The last time the city cancelled its fireworks show, in 2002, the city instead held a laser show to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Elsewhere in Boulder County, Jamestown has elected to cancel its fireworks show, while Nederland will delay its show, possibly until July 28. Louisville and Lafayette are set to discuss their fireworks shows and make a decision later this week. Erie and Longmont are both scheduled to hold their fireworks displays as planned."