Wildfires force cancellation of dozens of Fourth of July fireworks displays across Colorado

With wildfires burning out of control across Colorado, many professional fireworks displays planned for America’s 250th birthday have been canceled across the Front Range, with some communities opting for drone shows instead.

Each year, Colorado communities put on fireworks displays that are a time-honored tradition for families. But this year will look much different. According to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, there are 15 wildfires currently burning in the state, and more than 50 of Colorado’s 64 counties have instituted some level of fire restrictions.

Douglas County announced earlier this week that it would move to Stage 2 fire restrictions, banning fireworks as well as campfires and open burning. Jefferson County, unincorporated Arapahoe County, and Boulder County’s mountain areas have followed with their own restrictions. Stage 2 restrictions ban all fireworks, including sparklers and fountains that are typically legal under state law.

More than 55 metro area displays have been canceled or postponed due to dry, hot, wildfire conditions, including shows in Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Sterling Ranch, Arvada, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

Our partners at 9NEWS have a full list of where you can still see professional displays as well as which communities are opting for drone shows. Check the full list here.