Fireworks rules in El Paso County

Posted: Jun 28, 2010 5:01 PM by Greg Boyce
Updated: Jun 28, 2010 5:03 PM

Some fireworks are legal in El Paso County while the same fireworks are illegal inside the City of Colorado Springs.

In El Paso and Pueblo City and County a good rule of thumb to remember is if a firework flies through the air, explodes or shoots flaming balls, it is illegal.

Unlawful fireworks include:

Bottle rockets
Firecrackers of any type
Mortars
Roman candles

Permissible fireworks include:

Fountains
Ground spinners
Smoke Bombs
Sparklers
Small cars/tanks with pyrotechnics

Fireworks should not be confused with "Trick noise makers." Noise makers are not classified as fireworks. Trick noise makers are frequently sold at fireworks stands, but are also sold at many grocery stores, including inside the Colorado Springs city limits. They function by throwing them on the ground or by pulling a string. Trick noise makers include:

Snaps (small paper wads that are thrown on the ground)
Champagne poppers (pull string and they launch colored paper)
Pull string poppers (small 2" paper tube with a string from each end)

Both unlawful fireworks as well as permissible fireworks are prohibited in the incorporated cities to include Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain and Manitou Springs, and all of Teller County.