With the smoke and blackened landscape from the Weber Fire still evident to residents, and daunting thoughts of possibly more wildfires, a number of public fireworks displays have been cancelled in the region.
The hot weather, dry conditions and extreme fire danger has caused fire officials and law enforcement agencies in Dolores and Montezuma County to pull the plug on fireworks displays in Mancos, Rico and Groundhog.
The last time the popular Rico show was cancelled was in 2002, the year a number of devastating wildfires consumed the state, including the Hayman Fire and the Missionary Ridge Fire in Durango.
“It’s way too dry,” said Todd Jones, Rico Fire Chief. “Even if we get rain, it would still be a no go.”
This year, the conditions mirrored those of 2002 and the result has been similar with wildfires reported around the state, with many still raging.
Gov. Hickenlooper’s decision on banning fireworks played into the cancellation of Rico’s show.
“When the governor put out his memo banning fireworks, it said, if we sign the waiver and put on a show, he will not give us any money for aid if a fire breaks out,” Jones said.
Currently only two shows are currently scheduled to go off in the area. Cortez’s display is scheduled for around 9 p.m. July 4 with fireworks set off in Parque de Vida.
The other show that is still tentatively scheduled for July 4 is in Dove Creek.
Dolores County Sheriff Jerry Martin said he has struggled with the decision. On Thursday, he decided to not allow the annual Groundhog display, which was scheduled for tonight.
The annual fireworks display at the Ute Mountain Casino in Towaoc, planned for Sunday night, is reportedly still set to go. Calls to the casino were not returned.
Shows in the mountains towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride have all been cancelled.
“Why take the risk?” Telluride Fire Chief John Bennett said.
Not only is there a risk of a large fire in Telluride, Bennett said the ban was to set an example.
“We are in a stage 2 (fire) restriction, so we need to set the tone and lead by example,” Bennett said. “We don’t need people saying, ‘Well they are setting off their fireworks, so I am going to set off mine.’”
The town of Dolores hasn’t had a fireworks show for several years and won’t again this year.
Shannon Livick and Dale Shrull reported to the story.