Aurora residents' 4th of July celebrations are bound to be a whole lot more fun now that certain personal fireworks will be allowed.
You still can't shoot off a bottle rocket or set off anything loud like a firecracker, but the Aurora City Council is approving the sale and use of selected personal fireworks from now through July 4. "Permissible fireworks are those that do not leave the ground or have an explosion or 'bang,'" the city's website states. "Examples of allowed fireworks are fountains, wheels, sparklers, snakes and ground spinners." Fireworks that are not allowed include firecrackers, bottle rockets, lady fingers, mortars, and roman candles.
In previous years, the ban had prohibited use of any personal fireworks at all, which seemed like a bummer and was somewhat confusing since adjacent Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County allowed limited sales and use. So residents could purchase them in a nearby city or county but then could not legally bring them into Aurora.
The lifting of the ban is only temporary and has an end date; it will be back in place as of July 5. And as with anything, as long as the rules are followed and use of fireworks is kept within the guidelines, everyone can have a safe and happy holiday. Users are encouraged to light them on only cement and asphalt, away from buildings or vegetation, and with plenty of water handy.
Violators of the rules in place will face fines up to $2,650.
To see the full list of revised rules, view the ordinance itself or visit the City of Aurora's web site.
What do you think? Will you be purchasing some to light in Aurora for the 4th of July? What's your favorite kind? Tell us in the comments, and above all, be safe!
