Gunnison, Meeker, Bayfield and Cortez are still planning fireworks for July Fourth even as Colorado has 16 active wildfires and broad Stage 2 fire restrictions on the Western Slope. Gunnison’s show is scheduled for Saturday night at Jorgensen Park, and officials there are still checking weather, fire behavior and resource availability before it goes ahead.
Gunnison County Fire Protection District
Hugo Ferchau, chief of the Gunnison County Fire Protection District, said the local display can be managed safely. “I think as long as we’re able to ensure people’s safety, we would like to do whatever we can to allow the community to come together and celebrate in the way they typically do,” he said.
Ferchau said the district has spent more than two decades refining its safety plan. Fire engines are stationed on three sides of the Gunnison launch site, which is surrounded by irrigated softball fields, a dog park, wetlands and hayfields.
Stage 2 fire restrictions
Several Western Slope counties, the White River National Forest, the San Juan National Forest and the Upper Colorado River District of the Bureau of Land Management have enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions. Those rules prohibit personal fireworks, sparklers, fountains and other activities capable of producing sparks, while professional fireworks displays can still move ahead with approval from local authorities.
Ferchau said the local decision rests with the people closest to the conditions. “The people who know their locations and their conditions should be making those decisions,” he said. He also said, “We talk about the weather, the burn index, and fuel moisture every single day. It’s not something we take lightly.”
Bayfield and Cortez
Vail, Aspen, Rifle, Craig and Montrose have canceled their fireworks shows. Silverton canceled its display on Tuesday for the first time in six years, and Durango canceled its show last summer because of ongoing drought and fire risk.
Ferchau said Gunnison’s show may also steer some residents away from setting off fireworks on their own. “We know how to mitigate the risks,” he said. “We’d sure prefer that people came and watched our fireworks than these rogue things that happen and light sagebrush fires and the things we’re trying to avoid.” Officials in Gunnison are continuing to evaluate weather, fire behavior and resource availability before Saturday night.
