Durango’s Fourth of July fireworks display was canceled Thursday as a result of drought conditions and heightened fire risk.
Much of Southwest Colorado is either in extreme or exceptional drought, the most severe categories considered by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Last week, more than 30 wildfires were discovered in southwest La Plata County after a dry lightning storm moved through the region.
“The continuation of exceptional drought conditions coupled with significant high temperatures and a lack of forecasts for precipitation in the near future, lead us to believe that the fire hazards will continue to intensify,” said Hal Doughty, fire chief with Durango Fire Protection District, in a news release.
In the surrounding area, Bayfield has also canceled its fireworks show. The town is holding other Fourth of July events, like a parade at noon, a beer garden and a pancake breakfast, said Mayor Ashleigh Tarkington.
Silverton’s celebration is on hold while the Silverton and San Juan Fire and Rescue Authority keep an eye on fire conditions, said Michael Maxfield, assistant fire chief.
“We’ve got (the fireworks) ready to go, we just have to set it up. We’re just waiting to see what these rains are going to do,” Maxfield said. “We’re hoping; around here, anything is bound to happen.”
Cortez plans to go forward with its fireworks celebration. The event will include live music, a beer garden and a fireworks show scheduled to start around 9:15 p.m.
Stage 1 fire restrictions, including prohibitions on open burning and fireworks, went into effect in unincorporated areas of La Plata County on June 16.
Fire restrictions are also in place in San Juan National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management’s Durango Special Recreation District, the Southern Ute Reservation and Montezuma County. San Juan County also issued Stage 1 fire restrictions June 16.
“We are following the advice of the fire chief and want to keep our community safe,” said José Madrigal, Durango city manager.
The public should also be aware that Durango code prohibits personal possession of fireworks within city limits, according to a city news release.
Residents and visitors may celebrate the holiday with other events, including the All-American Gourmet Breakfast from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Rotary Park; free concert from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. at Rotary Park; the annual Fourth of July picnic from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Buckley Park; and the Fourth of July Street Dance from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in the Transit Center parking lot.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.DurangoGov.org/4thofjuly.
smullane@durangoherald.com
