MESA COUNTY, Colo –  The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit have determined current conditions do not warrant implementing fire restrictions in Mesa County but advise people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly.

Recent rains and monsoonal moisture have kept typically dry fuels in check. However, Mesa County is still experiencing drought conditions. Combined with strong winds and hot temperatures, one spark has the potential to spread into a wildfire.

 “We wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. As you enjoy the holiday weekend, please be respectful of our ever-present fire danger. There is a concern for human-caused fires,” said Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell. “Thank you for doing your part in helping us prevent a potentially dangerous wildfire.”

The public is asked to remain cautious with activities that could ignite a wildfire.  People should continue to use caution when burning or using fire outdoors, especially in heavily forested and grassy areas.  Remember to discard cigarette butts and smoking materials safely and not throw them on the ground or outside of your car. If you choose to have a campfire, always have a way to quickly extinguish it and never leave an open flame unattended.

“As we head into the busy holiday weekend remember, you still need to exercise caution and common sense when setting off LEGAL fireworks. Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of others as you enjoy this holiday weekend,” said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins.

When using legal fireworks it is extremely important to stay away from dry grass and wooded areas.  It just takes one spark to start a wildfire that can put lives and property at risk.

"We appreciate seeing the public enjoy and celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly,” stated Upper Colorado River Fire Management Officer Tommy Hayes. “Our dedicated staff is busy this time of the year with natural fire starts and when the public recreates safely it significantly decreases human starts that can absorb resources.”  

The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices is always prohibited on federal lands.

FIREWORKS FACTS

• The use of fireworks on federal land is always ILLEGAL.

• It is ILLEGAL to knowingly sell or provide fireworks to anyone under 16 years of ages. No one under the age of 16 can purchase fireworks. Colorado law requires adult supervision for persons under 16 years of age to possess or discharge fireworks.

• Permissible LEGAL fireworks include: Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke devices, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible.

• ILLEGAL Fireworks: Fireworks not meeting the definition of permissible fireworks including but not limited to cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters are all examples of illegal fireworks.

• A good rule of thumb: anything that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely ILLEGAL in Colorado.

If you see a fire start, call 911 immediately. View the fire restrictions map here.

DISPLAYS

Sunday, July 3rd

• 8:45 pm at Snooks Bottom in Fruita: The Fruita Parks and Recreation department will be hosting a fireworks display at dusk. The fireworks will be launched from Snooks Bottom.  There is no designated viewing area.

Monday, July 4th

• 10:30 am-11:00 am Independence Monument: Mesa County Search and Rescue Technical Team will climb Independence Monument and raise the American Flag. Viewing locations at several view points on the Colorado Monument.

• 9:45 pm following the Rockies Game at Lincoln Park: Game attendees are invited to stay in the stadium to enjoy the fireworks show, and community members are invited to bring their families and watch the display from Lincoln Park.