Whether you are a long-time resident or new to our communities, you may be aware that professional fireworks displays occur throughout the year. What you may not know are all of the steps required long before the first sparkler takes flight. The following, sequential process is shared to ensure you are aware of all that must occur to ensure the highest level of safety by anyone producing a professional fireworks display in Douglas County. The following steps protect lives, personal property and the County’s treasured landscapes and other natural resources you value
Site Selection
A site must be large enough for maximum shell size and safety
The site size must conform with governing state/federal controlling regulation
Sites must be fire defensible, away from structures and people, and include additional buffer zones
Sites are chosen based on security and fencing that prohibit public access
Written permission must be granted from the landowner
Vendor Selection
The vendor must have required licenses
Colorado Display Fireworks License
Federal Explosive License
US DOT Registration
Hazardous Materials Safety Transportation Permit
Vendor Insurance
Colorado Explosives Dealer certification
Insurance Claim/Accident History
Permit Process
Applications are submitted to Fire Protection Agency by the Vendor, along with the following:
Proof of landowner permission
Vendor licenses
Vendor insurance
Fireworks inventory audit
List of vendor employees
Site plan
Flight Path Permit with Centennial (NOTAM filed with aviation authority)
Verification of compliance with controlling state/federal regulations
Public Outreach
Written information must be provided to individual landowners
Public information must be disseminated via all possible traditional and digital means – beginning one month prior to the event – to help ensure awareness of the forthcoming fireworks display.
Display Site Inspections (Wildlife Regulations)
Professional Condition Analysis and a meeting a week before the display to determine if it’s safe to proceed as planned
County Commissioners will have a discussion with Fire Departments and Law Enforcement to gather professional input on current launch conditions
Based upon this meeting a decision will be made to proceed or cancel
Agenda for the Condition Analysis Meeting
Plan Overview
Site Safety
Site Security
Current Restrictions
Condition Assessment
Resource Analysis
Other Concerns
Site inspection – prior to the day of the event
Approval from Fire Protection Agency
Site improvements made as needed to mitigate risk based on recommendations and conditions (this can include mowing and trenching to maximize safety)
State Wildlife protection regulations are checked against display sites to ensure all regulations are met and followed
Fire Protection Personnel inspection – day of the event
Fire Restrictions (Information about current fire restrictions in Douglas County, as determined by the Sheriff, is available at the Office of Emergency Management’s webpage.)
Approved staff roster onsite
Site installation matches approved permit application description
Vendor licenses are checked
Compliance with controlling DOT HazMat Transportation regulations
Equipment inspection (Display Equipment)
Site security review
Final Decision – go / no go for the event
Display Representation- all have authority to stop the display, monitor changes in conditions
Fire Department
County Staff
Law Enforcement
Vendor
After Display Site Inspection
Debris and area thoroughly cleaned up
For additional information and to begin the process of planning for a professional fireworks display in Douglas County please contact:
