The city of Durango has canceled its Fourth of July evening fireworks show because of hot temperatures, dry and windy conditions.
The decision was made after consulting with Durango Fire Protection District, which referenced weather data and determined that it’s too dry.
“This is the third day of red flag warnings with it going at least through tomorrow,” Fire Chief Randy Black said on Saturday.
He said when days reach single-digit humidity with winds reaching 30 mph to 40 mph and temperatures are in the 90s, the grass dries out, and that’s too great a risk to take for fireworks.
“Though it’s disappointing we can’t have the fireworks, it’s also a priority to make sure that everything stays safe and sound within the city,” Tom Sluis, city spokesman, said.
He said the city notified its hired fireworks contractor, Zambelli Fireworks, that the show could not be held, and the city retained the money it had budgeted for fireworks this year.
Black said residents should think twice before starting their lawn mowers, performing welding or doing any other projects that could produce sparks, after 10 a.m.
“The majority of our fires are human caused, and that doesn’t mean purposefully,” he said. “It means ‘human caused.’ Whether you’re mowing or whatever your outdoor activities are, just (be) super cautious here for the next few weeks until we get some real reliable rains and monsoons.”
Some residents will be upset fireworks are canceled, he said. But the fire district, the city, county and other entities all look to hard data to determine whether fire dangers are present.
Durango’s fireworks were planned to launch from the Durango Off-Leash Dog Park on the south side of the Animas River west of Santa Rita Park. Sluis said if even one spark started a fire on the hillside of Smelter Mountain, it would be very challenging for fire crews to extinguish the blaze.
Other events for the city’s Four Days of the Fourth are still scheduled, he said, including a “Wet & Wild! 4th of July Parade” at 4:30 p.m. July 4 on Main Avenue; a street dance; and other activities.
cburney@durangoherald.com
