"Bloody nuisances": Denver readers weigh in on fireworks etiquette
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Much like politics, there's little middle ground when it comes to fireworks.
What they're saying: Dozens of readers responded to our question about proper neighborhood fireworks etiquette, but we heard most loudly from those against the entire idea.
- "People aren't celebrating freedom and democracy, they're just being bloody nuisances," writes Jo Dyson.
- "As a pet owner, I can say that the sound of fireworks terrifies our two cats and our dog," adds Ken Sandoval.
- "I hate fireworks!!! Those loud booming noises remind me of guns and bombs, guns and bombs are used to kill people!" writes Diane Baron.
- "Lighting fireworks at home is careless and just plain stupid. With the amount of trees and brush, the fire risk is a danger to everyone in the state!" says Ken Laner.
What we found: For the places where fireworks are allowed, there was consensus on a couple manners:
- When it comes to timing, the weekend seems like fair game. But many people say nothing after the holiday itself.
- Keep them before 10pm and ideally near 9pm, which offers a good window of darkness but isn't too late.
- If you can, find a space away from homes.
And: "I think it would be nice if people warned their neighbors. I don’t expect that will happen, but it would be nice," says Kayla Didier Kelly.
Keep in mind: Fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in Colorado. And ordinances and fire restrictions this year make ground-based fireworks illegal in most of the Denver metro area.
- Sparklers are even illegal in a handful of cities, according to this 9News list.
The bottom line: Be safe out there.