As El Paso County residents reveled in the spirit of July 4th at Red Sands, the aftermath of celebrations poses a challenge that local officials are keen to address. El Paso County Commissioner Jackie Butler has put out a call for volunteers to assist with a community cleanup effort scheduled for the following Sunday, starting bright and early at 7:30 a.m. According to KFOX-TV, Butler's initiative, in collaboration with Desert Rescue 915 and the East Montana Fire Station, aims to tackle the recurring issue of illegal dumping that has particularly marked the holiday period.
Butler stresses the importance of personal responsibility, urging those partaking in the festivities to "take a trash bag with you and make sure that you do your best to clean up not only the firework debris, but any beer bottles or drinks or food that you bring with you." Alongside the cleanup, the commissioner is also reminding attendees about safety and the caution against drinking and driving, especially when operating ATVs, as KFOX-TV reported.
In addition to volunteer efforts, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has announced an increase in patrols within Red Sands to manage the holiday risks. Sheriff Oscar Ugarte explains that deputies will be in four-by-four vehicles, monitoring the area where fireworks, off-roading, and alcohol create a potentially dangerous mix. "There is ATVs... four by four vehicles traveling in all directions at high rate of speeds. And unfortunately, a lot of these people that are out there are also consuming alcohol," Ugarte pointed out in a statement obtained by CBS4Local.com. Locals like Rafael Morales voiced their support for the added law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of safety and courtesy on the busy trails.
The sheriff's office has made it clear that drinking and driving will not be tolerated and those caught will face jail time. "And also, if you are caught driving an ATV vehicle under the influence, you will be going to jail," Ugarte warned, a sentiment Richard Garcia, who runs a local fireworks store, agrees with, advocating for "more protection and safety for everyone out there" in an interview with CBS4Local.com. Ugarte has also detailed that the enforcement at Red Sands is part of the larger "Safe Streets Operation," targeting impaired driving throughout El Paso County, as reported by KTSM. This countywide initiative will extend through Sunday night, featuring heightened patrols in each municipality to ensure a safe holiday for all community members.
