City of Durango Cancels Fireworks Display

Durango, CO – The City of Durango will cancel its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. The decision is consistent with other communities throughout the State and is in keeping with Governor Hickenlooper’s recent state wide fire ban.

“We do not want to send a mixed message to the community,” stated City Manager Ron LeBlanc, “The Governor and local fire officials are trying to inform the public regarding the imminent fire danger. The City’s decision is consistent with those efforts.”

La Plata County, in cooperation with the local fire districts, enacted restrictions on open burning within the entire County. These open burning restrictions pertain to camp fires and any type of charcoal or open fire in any undeveloped areas.

The City of Durango regulations currently prohibit open burning within the City limits. In addition and until further notice, the use of open flames, charcoal grills, and recreational back yard fires is strongly discouraged within the City limits.

Smoking should be limited to vehicles and inside private buildings. Outdoor smoking is a significant fire danger at this time. These restrictions will apply to all City owned parks and open spaces. Parks and Recreation Director Cathy Metz states “although the County open burning restrictions allows smoking in developed recreation areas and 3-foot wide areas cleared of vegetation, smoking is a potential ignition source and is strongly discouraged in all developed recreation areas and trails in Durango”.

The City has invested considerable resources to preserve and protect over 2,800 acres of land surrounding Durango for parks and open space. The stewardship of these resources is of utmost importance and the City is requesting assistance from area residents to be mindful of the extreme fire danger conditions and to report violations to the Durango Police Department by calling Central Dispatch at 385-2900.

For additional Information, contact Durango Parks and Recreation Department at 375-7300.