To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Norris W. Croom III, Fire Chief
Title
Update: Rescheduling Fireworks
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
As you are aware, the Town's Fourth of July fireworks show was canceled due to the implementation of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. Under our contract with the fireworks vendor, we have until the end of the calendar year to reschedule the show without incurring any additional cost.
After evaluating several options, I recommend rescheduling the fireworks show to Veterans Day, November 11, at 7:00 p.m. This timing provides an opportunity for a family-friendly community event while remaining consistent with the Town's 250/150 celebrations by honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. We have confirmed that both the proposed date and time are available with our fireworks vendor.
The proposed date also aligns with planned fireworks displays in Douglas County and potentially the Town of Parker, creating a broader regional celebration. Additionally, cooler temperatures and the likelihood of measurable snowfall by November should significantly reduce wildfire risk compared to our current conditions.
The fireworks would still be launched from Miller's Landing to meet the required safety zone dimensions. This event would be in addition to, not a replacement for, the annual Star Lighting fireworks display which will occur on November 21. With Council's concurrence, staff will proceed with the necessary planning, coordination, and public notification for a November 11 show.
Separately, the Fourth of July highlighted an issue within the Town's current fire restrictions ordinance. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit both the sale and use of permissible fireworks. However, under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, only the use of permissible fireworks is prohibited, while their sale remains legal. Council considered amending this provision in 2018, but ultimately elected not to modify the Town Code.
As staff needs to update the municipal code related to fire restrictions anyway, we are seeking Council's direction on whether the sale of permissible fireworks should also be prohibited during Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. From a fire prevention and safety perspective, prohibiting both the sale and use of permissible fireworks during any period of fire restrictions provides a more consistent and easily understood approach. Because Town Code only allows the use of permissible fireworks on July 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., individuals cannot legally purchase them during Stage 1 restrictions for use on another date.
If Council supports this approach, staff will incorporate the proposed change into the upcoming code revisions for Council's consideration.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information.