City officials are teaming up with the University of Colorado to remind Boulder residents that all fireworks are illegal within city limits. Illegal fireworks include: sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, Roman candles and smoke bombs. The fireworks ban has been in place since 1985.

Boulder police will have extra patrols out over the July 4th holiday. Anyone caught using fireworks could face penalties that include arson charges, heavy fines, court costs, loss of property, possible jail time and personal injury damages. CU students who violate the ban could be sanctioned by the University of Colorado’s Office of Judicial Affairs.

Fireworks were outlawed because they pose dangers to humans, pets, property, and the environment. Boulder Fire Chief Larry Donner encourages residents to celebrate the holiday safely. “Fireworks can be very dangerous and unpredictable. They often cause serious injuries. Nationally, children suffer the lion’s share of fireworks related injuries. In addition, there is the ever-present danger of starting a disastrous wildfire on our open space,” says Chief Donner.

The city will host a professional fireworks show on July 4th at Folsom Field. Admission to Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast is free. Gates open at 8:00 p.m., and the show is scheduled to begin around 8:30 p.m.

Anyone who has illegal fireworks and who wants to dispose of them will be granted amnesty if the fireworks are brought to any Boulder fire station. To report fireworks violations, residents are encouraged to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 303-441-3333. To report a fire, always call 9-1-1 and give the location.