No fireworks for Arvada this year.
Courtesy photo
The City of Arvada will not be hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks display this year due to increased wildfire risk, the city announced on July 2. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office declared a Stage 2 fire ban hours before Arvada’s announcement.
The decision was made in “coordination with the Arvada Fire Protection District, the Fire Marshal, and the City’s Emergency Manager,” a statement from Arvada said. The fireworks show will be rescheduled to November and will be part of Arvada’s Veterans Day celebration. Additional details will be announced at a later date.
Arvada joins a growing list of municipalities that have canceled or rescheduled their firework shows this year, which includes Parker, Alamosa, Montrose, Ouray, Woodland Park and others. Previously, the City of Arvada said it was monitoring conditions and notified residents in advance that if a Stage 2 fire ban was implemented, it would cancel the display.
“In making this determination, the City and Arvada Fire considered a number of factors, including extremely dry vegetation, current and forecasted weather conditions, the number of recent vegetation fires, ongoing wildfire activity across Colorado and the reduced availability of regional firefighting resources as crews and equipment remain committed to large wildfires throughout the state and western United States,” Arvada’s statement said.
Ryan Stevenson, Arvada’s director of Vibrant Community and Neighborhoods, said he understands that the decision might be disappointing to some residents, but reaffirmed that it was a necessary choice to make due to the wildfire risk.
“While we know this decision is disappointing, the safety of our community and first responders must come first,” Stevenson said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work together to make the safest decision for our community.”
The fireworks display was scheduled to take place at Stenger Sports Complex at 9:15 p.m. on July 4.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, most types of fires, charcoal grills, smoking and using a chainsaw are banned. Only devices that are liquid- or gas-fueled and have an on/off switch are allowed.
Personal fireworks are prohibited at all times within Arvada city limits. The city has hosted a fireworks display since 1979.