It may seem like innocent fun. Tradition to buy a few. But, you are urged to think twice about setting off any kind of firework in the City of Fort Collins. Even storing them, is illegal.

Not a lot of people talk about our veterans being affected by these sudden explosion and popping sounds, as you can imagine, it can trigger some really terrible memories for our vets young and old.

Next up, the pets. Again, you might think it's funny or no big deal, that a dog may be terrified of fireworks. I'll tell you first hand when my otherwise fearless, 82 pound lab would foam at the mouth and shake nervously for hours during the 4th of July, I was worried she would have a heart attack. Please consider others, you have no idea what your neighbors have to deal with while you innocently set off a few fireworks.

And now let's talk about the serious crackdown the City of Fort Collins is implementing. ALL fireworks are illegal. No sparklers, no snakes, NO fireworks are legal within the city limits. A violation could result in a fine up to $2,830. Yikes. Is it worth it? I don't think so. Plus, there are so many festivities around Fort Collins to take part of. Choose respectfully, choose wisely.

According to a recent press release from the City of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Police Services, Poudre Fire Authority and Animal Protection and Control, these are some of the reasons for the crackdown:

-Between July 2-7 in 2016, UCHealth treated 48 patients with fireworks-related injuries in its emergency departments. Among those, the most common were head, foot and face burns and injuries.

 

-Poudre Fire Authority also investigated multiple fires around the holiday that were determined to be started by fireworks. One such fire burned approximately 2 acres on July 4, 2016, at Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area in southwest Fort Collins.

 

-Fireworks are also disruptive to pet and neighbors, including many of our veterans with PTSD. Each year, Fort Collins dispatchers receive hundreds of fireworks complaint calls on July 4.

 

-More animals run away from home on July 4 than any other day of the year, according to the Larimer Humane Society.

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