Fort Collins Police Services is asking residents to “let’s play it smart” this Fourth of July and keep the fireworks packed away. In a reminder posted Monday, the department stressed that consumer fireworks, including sparklers and novelty “snakes,” are illegal inside city limits. Instead, officers are steering folks to the professional show at City Park and pointing out that backyard pyrotechnics can crank up the stress for pets, veterans, and neighbors. The reminder also directs Fort Collins residents to the city’s online tool for reporting fireworks violations.
All fireworks are banned inside city limits
All consumer fireworks are illegal within Fort Collins city limits, and officials explicitly include sparklers and snake-style novelties in that ban, city and fire officials say. As the Poudre Fire Authority notes, even spent fireworks can hang on to enough heat to ignite brush or trash, and sparklers burn hot enough to cause serious injury. The authority and the city alike urge residents to leave the pyrotechnics to licensed professionals.
Enforcement and penalties
City Council updated the municipal code in 2025 to give officers more enforcement tools so they no longer have to catch someone in the act of lighting a device. Under Ordinance No. 090, 2025, police may cite anyone who has a “possessory interest” in property where fireworks are used, mirroring nuisance-gathering rules and keeping misdemeanor penalties and fines in place. The change and the maximum fine amount are detailed in the City Council proceedings, and Fort Collins Police say concentrated patrols will be out around July 4. In practical terms, if fireworks are going off on your property, officers do not need to see who lit the fuse before writing a ticket.
How to report and where to watch
The city asks residents not to call 911 for non-emergency fireworks complaints. Instead, people are asked to file reports through the online reporting form at the city's website, which helps police map hot spots and focus patrols. For those who still want the traditional boom and sparkle, Fort Collins will host a professional Independence Day celebration at City Park, capped by a fireworks show over Sheldon Lake. The city event page outlines the schedule, road-closure details, and logistics for the July 4 festivities.
Why officials urge caution
Officials regularly point to the recurring injury and fire risks when they ask people to skip at-home fireworks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that for 2025, there were an estimated 13,000 emergency-department-treated fireworks injuries and at least 15 deaths, and sparklers alone accounted for a large share of injuries to children. Local fire and police agencies add that fireworks can start accidental fires and seriously distress pets and neighbors, which is why the city and Poudre Fire Authority continue to recommend leaving the shows to professionals.
