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El Paso County bans rockets-with-sticks, missile-with-fins sales for July 4 period amid drought concerns
Summary
The El Paso County Commissioners Court on June 9 adopted an order banning sales of rockets with sticks and missiles with fins for the June 24–July 4 sales window, citing drought risk (KBDI) and public-safety concerns. Vendors promised extra cleanup and self-policing; two commissioners voted no.
The El Paso County Commissioners Court voted June 9 to ban sales of fireworks described in the order as "rockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" during the annual sales period that runs June 24 through midnight July 4.
Court members said the decision responded to high wildfire risk, measured locally by the Keetch‑Byram Drought Index (KBDI), and to public‑safety concerns raised by law enforcement and county staff.
The order follows briefing from county staff showing the countywide KBDI well above the 575 threshold cited in state guidance; staff reported the KBDI at about 710 on the morning of the briefing. County staff also flagged drought and U.S. Drought Monitor ratings showing large portions of the county in extreme to exceptional drought. The court adopted a prepared order that restricts only the types of fireworks listed in the order; other consumer fireworks sales and use remain governed by state law and local rules.
County staff member Lisa, who led the briefing, said the local government code authorizes…
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