Mesa County Fourth of July Fire Restrictions

Be careful and please follow these rules this holiday weekend.

With the cloud and the rain we have been getting in the Mesa County area, it looks like conditions will be safer for Fourth of July fireworks.

From KKCO News, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, along with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit, will impose no fire restrictions for this weekend's celebration.

But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be responsible. And safe.

There are always fire dangers in this area. The little rain we did get help, but it doesn't take too long for the grass to dry and become tinder very quickly.

Information from the National Fire Protection Association states that this holiday weekend is responsible for more than HALF of all the fires reported all year.

I get the allure of fireworks and the ego that is involved in having the 'best fireworks in the neighborhood,' but I don't see the need to risk life and limb (especially fingers) to try and impress others. Let the professionals handle that. I am not saying you have to go down to Stocker Stadium and watch the city's display, but be safe, sober and remember the true meaning of this weekend. From the Mesa County Sheriff's Office:

'RULES FOR FIREWORKS

• The use of fireworks on federal land is always ILLEGAL

• No one under the age of 16 can purchase fireworks. Colorado law requires adult supervision for persons under 16 years of age to possess or discharge fireworks.

• ILLEGAL Fireworks: Any devices or components that, when used or ignited, project or disburse any metal, glass, or brittle plastic fragments are illegal. Cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters are all examples of illegal fireworks.

• A good rule of thumb: anything that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely ILLEGAL in Colorado.

• LEGAL fireworks include: Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke devices, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible.'