Fire&Rescue: Details on Legal/Illegal Fireworks

An official with Cheyenne Fire and Rescue says that while most fireworks are illegal to buy and use inside Cheyenne city limits, there are some exceptions.

Byron Mathews is Fire Prevention Chief with the department. He says the only fireworks that are legal to use inside city limits are sparklers, smoke devices such as smoke bombs, and novelty items such as "black snakes".

But the vast majority of consumer fireworks, such as firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets and any other type of fireworks that explodes or could start a fire are illegal.

Cheyenne Police Department spokesman officer Dan Long says people cited for illegal fireworks could receive a $200 fine, adding police will be going all-out to catch violators. He is also asking people to report anyone using fireworks illegally.

Mathews says in past years it hasn't been unusual for firefighters to be called out to fight fires started by fireworks He says that while the wet weather the area has experienced so far this year will hopefully reduce the danger somewhat, fireworks are still a hazard and the laws against them in city limits remain in effect.

Mathews also reminds residents about the free fireworks show presented by the city and Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 4th at Frontier Park. The show will feature the Air Force band "Tops in Blue" with the opening act "The Country Club band".

The park gates will open at 5:30 on the 4th, with entertainment getting underway at 6:30. The fireworks show is slated to start at 9:35.