People in Pueblo seem to have gotten the message about fireworks violations. Officers say the number of fireworks related calls for service over the last month dropped 81 percent compared to the same time last year.
"We’ve asked for their voluntary compliance through different messaging and so far, it’s paid off," said Capt.. Kenny Rider. "The community is cooperating and we haven’t seen a whole lot of calls for service this year."
July 4 is always the busiest day for fireworks calls. So, the final number could change. Tinder-dry conditions prompted a countywide ban this summer on the sale or use of any consumer fireworks. Captain Rider said he thinks the community understand the threat.
"Every time you turn on the TV you see these fires that are devastating to these communities, we don’t want that to happen here," he said.
Fireworks are always illegal in Colorado Springs, yet 31 people were still ticketed last year. That’s the most tickets written of any year in the last 5.
Citations issued last month dropped compared to June of 2017. However, Public Information Officer Lt. Howard Black said he hopes his officers won’t have to ticket anyone.
"Be safe, be appropriate, you know what the law is. We shouldn’t have to make one arrest," Black said.
Both cities will have additional officers on patrol Wednesday to enforce both fireworks restrictions as well as to keep drunk drivers off the road. Black said making responsible decisions is best for everyone.
"Stop and think, if that firework actually starts a fire that causes damage or if it hurts somebody or kills somebody, your life is changed."
The penalty for use or possession of fireworks in Colorado Springs is particularly steep. Any convicted faces fines of up to $2,500 and a potential jail sentence of 189 days or less.?
