Our dispatchers get thousands of calls from people on the Fourth of July, mostly complaining about illegal fireworks. That makes it hard for dispatchers to sort through critical calls about people who have been injured or fires that have been sparked by fireworks. Calling the emergency line when it’s not a crisis slows down dispatchers from getting help to people who really need it.

The sad fact is, other crimes don’t stop happening on the holiday, and our deputies need to respond to those crimes quickly. Help our dispatchers prioritize calls and don’t call 9-1-1 to complain about noise, to learn what’s legal, or to ask how can you throw out old fireworks. Instead, check out these answers to frequently asked questions:

Q: What’s legal in Arapahoe County?

A: If it leaves the ground or explodes, it’s not legal in Arapahoe County and Centennial. That means no firecrackers, bottle rockets, lady fingers, mortars and roman candles. These are legal to use: fountains, wheels, sparklers, snakes and ground spinners.

Q: What if I hear people setting off illegal fireworks? 

A: Please don’t call dispatch about it, unless you have an exact address where it’s happening and names of the people setting them off. Otherwise, our deputies have no way to respond appropriately.

Q: What if I see my neighbors building a bomb-looking device?

A: Please call 9-1-1 or ACSO dispatch at 303-795-4711 immediately.

Q: What if someone is hurt – or something is on fire?

A: Please call 9-1-1 or ACSO dispatch at 303-795-4711 immediately.

Q: What is the penalty for using illegal fireworks?

A: Colorado law provides that the sale or use of illegal fireworks is a Class 3 misdemeanor resulting in a fine of $50 to $750 and up to six months in jail.