WEEK OF JULY 3, 2025
VOLUME 130 | ISSUE 18
$2
South Metro Fire provides tips on fireworks disposal BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Lighting fireworks can be an exciting part of celebrating the Fourth of July, however, it comes with some serious hazards. “It’s a fun time,” said Brain Willie, lead communications specialist with South Metro Fire Rescue. “But we also know that it’s very dangerous … with the hot weather we’ve had and everything is so dry.” Willie said that the fire district sees a large increase in calls in the days leading up to the holiday and on July 4. Last year, South Metro Fire Rescue reported that the department responded to 45 fires between 6 p.m. and midnight on July 4. The post on social media stated that most of the fires involved grass or mulch, and most were caused by fireworks. Additionally, during that time, two people were injured in separate firework accidents, the fire district reported. Some fireworks — such as sparklers, fountains and ground spinners — are permitted in Douglas County. These can be purchased at local firework stands, which fire marshals from the fire district check to ensure that what is being sold is within regulation. However, illegal fireworks — which are fireworks that leave the ground or explode — do get set off across Douglas County, according to the fire district. Proper disposal
uled for July 19 and Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the main fire station in downtown Elizabeth, at 155 West Kiowa Avenue. One breakfast costs $5. In the fall, the foundation also puts on a Chili Cookoff, in conjunction with The Means Agency and other community organizations, which is currently scheduled for Sept. 13. The Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation, a
South Metro Fire Rescue is offering some tips to properly dispose of fireworks in order to avoid fires or accidents. The first step is to let the firework sit for some time after it has gone out. Once it is cooled, it should be placed in a metal or steel bucket of water for at least 12 to 24 hours. This is to ensure that all the materials are fully saturated and there is no longer any exposure to flames, Willie said. From there, put the soaked fireworks in a trash container that is non-combustible. These include metal or steel cans, which can be bought at home improvement stores. “In Highlands Ranch, all our trash containers, pretty much, are all plastic,” said Willie. “So those are all very combustible and catch fire.” Willie said that many homeowners place their trash containers on the side of their house, either directly against their house or against a wood fence, which could lead to the house and/or fence catching fire. “We’ve had a couple incidents of that,” said Willie. “That’s why we really want to just stress to put those fire-
SEE PANCAKES, P12
SEE FIREWORKS, P6
A little girl looks toward the Elizabeth Fire Protection District fleet at the community pancake breakfast on June 21.
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
Pancake breakfast supports firefighters Community gathering features hearty fare, neighborly fellowship BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The first Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation Pancake Breakfast on June 21 was a success. Bright and early that Saturday, the fire station was bustling with hungry folks who came to get a bite to eat in the company of friends.
Pancakes weren’t the only thing served, as volunteers also dished up biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs and piping hot coffee. Kids ran around playing tag and were welcome to learn more about assorted Elizabeth Fire Protection District vehicles. Elizabeth residents Ginny and David Stowe, who live
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 14 | CALENDAR: 17 | PUZZLES: 19
nearby, came for the first time this year. “We’ve lived in Elizabeth for about five years. We are looking for ways to get to know people in the community. Events like the pancake feed are the perfect opportunity for this — great food and wonderful conversations,” said Ginny. There will be a couple other opportunities to support the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation and the Elizabeth Fire Protection District this summer. The next breakfasts are sched-
ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA