Living in Colorado Springs, one of the most beautiful and nature-rich areas, is both a blessing and a responsibility. However, every year as celebrations kick off during the holidays, especially around Independence Day, I am filled with dread. The uncontrolled use of fireworks poses a significant fire danger to our cherished surroundings and communities.

In recent years, fireworks have been a major source of human-caused fires in the U.S.
In 2023 alone, 32,000 fires were started by fireworks nationwide The Conversation.
July 4th is especially dangerous: from 1992 to 2020, about 15,000 fires were ignited on that day

The threat to our community is real, and the need for stepping up enforcement cannot be overstated. Current regulations are either not stringent enough or lack adequate enforcement, leaving residents like myself feeling unprotected. During times of drought and extreme heat, the potential for fireworks to ignite a fire increases substantially.

It is crucial that the City of Colorado Springs takes immediate action by enhancing fireworks enforcement. This can be achieved by increasing patrolling during fireworks-prone times, imposing stricter penalties on the illegal use of fireworks, and running extensive public awareness campaigns about the dangers associated with them.

This is not just a call for action; it is a plea for the safety of our homes, our natural environment, and our lives. We need to ensure that everyone in our community is aware of the risks and that the laws are enforced to protect what we hold dear.

Please join me in signing this petition to urge the City of Colorado Springs to act now, before it's too late. Together, we can ignite change without the risk of uncontrollable fires. Sign to safeguard our community and environment.

Last night, July 4, I was stunned by the shocking display of narcissism and entitlement, as fireworks exploded all over our city.
This comes at a time when firefighters are battling numerous fires all around our state, one very close to home.

REAL STEPS WHICH MUST BE TAKEN:

Announce way in advance on all local media: ALL fireworks are banned county-wide (not just in the city) and fines have been increased to $5,000. 
Extra deputies need to be hired on the 4th and will be patrolling all neighborhoods.
Extra phone dispatchers will also be hired.
No sales of fireworks in the county!  Shut down these sales tents!  If people can get fireworks, people will shoot off fireworks, ban or no ban.
People are not taking these bans seriously, so obviously the punishment and enforcement must increase.
And if possible, make a deal with Wyoming and New Mexico to check ID and not sell to CO customers.

Last night was an absolute nightmare and I'm ashamed of the narcissism of my fellow human beings.