Douglas County Fireworks Displays Blamed For Grass Fires In Parker And Highlands Ranch
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- South Metro Fire Rescue responded to two grass fires early Sunday morning, and the Castle Rock Fire Department also responded to a separate fire, after Douglas County organized three different fireworks displays Saturday night.
"Witness the beauty and magnificence of three simultaneous, 30-minute fireworks shows flying high in the sky from three locations in Douglas County at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18," county officials stated on YouTube.
South Metro responded two of the three fires -- in Highlands Ranch and Parker. The biggest fire, near Rueter-Hess Reservoir, was widely visible to Parker residents and prompted many 911 calls. Fortunately, officials say it was not as bad as it looked and was contained after burning a couple acres.
The Highlands Ranch fire was smaller, but a lot closer to homes. None of the homes were considered threatened.
"Some of the burning material, as it fell to the ground, stayed lit and caught vegetation on fire," SMF officials stated. "Initially, it was resource-intensive. We had a lot of crews responding [to both fires]."
"The winds were OK for the [fireworks] shoot," SMF officials stated. "As soon as they saw spot fires occurring in multiples, more equipment was called in."
Permits were issued for the fireworks display. Douglas County does not have a fire ban or any restrictions.
"We simply just state the facts [about fire conditions.] It's the county sheriff's decision," SMF officials stated.
Officials with Douglas County responded to our request for a comment with the following statement:
"Large or small, the use of fireworks – whether by individuals in neighborhoods, or via a planned event by pyrotechnic professionals – come with fire danger. And, in the absence of fire restrictions, may be used responsibly and legally. Douglas County partnered with law enforcement officials and our fire departments to mitigate fire danger. Awareness of dry conditions, yet no wind.....we collaborated before, during and after the shows to mitigate risk. Locations were chosen accordingly. Crews were on scene during and after the shows. The spot fires that occurred were quickly contained. We credit South Metro Fire and Castle Rock Fire for their preparedness and responsiveness."
Jefferson County is currently under Stage 1 restrictions and Elbert County is under Stage 2. Nearby Douglas and Arapahoe counties have none at the moment.