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County passes first reading of annual fireworks ban ordinance ahead of summer
Summary
Garfield County commissioners approved the first reading of an annual ordinance restricting possession and use of fireworks; the measure creates a year‑round ordinance framework and allows the board to adopt time‑limited fireworks prohibitions by resolution if fire conditions require.
The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners adopted the first reading of an ordinance restricting the possession, use and sale of fireworks within the county, a standard annual action intended to provide the board with a clear legal framework for fire‑season restrictions.
The ordinance establishes authority for the county to prohibit fireworks and to implement temporary restrictions during periods of elevated wildfire risk. Emergency Manager Chris Bornholt, joining by phone, told the board that the weather and fire outlook can change quickly and that annual adoption of the ordinance gives the county the flexibility to adopt a near‑term resolution banning fireworks around July 4 if conditions are hazardous.
Bornholt said current weather patterns include intermittent rains that can increase vegetation growth; if the season turns hot and dry after green‑up, the increased fine fuels could raise fire risk. The ordinance itself does not automatically ban fireworks on any date; instead, it allows the board to enact time‑limited prohibitions by resolution when necessary.
The board approved the first reading by voice vote; the ordinance will be published and brought back for final approval in a subsequent meeting, consistent with the county’s ordinance-adoption process.
Ending: County staff said they will publish the ordinance language and prepare any necessary resolution ahead of the July 4 period if local fire conditions prompt temporary restrictions.
