Legal Use Of Fireworks

Officials from agencies around the area are reminding people that the use of fireworks in Albany County is required to be on private property with permission of the owner.

Those from the Laramie Fire Department, U.S. Forest Service, and Albany County Sheriff’s Office have all said private land is the only place within the county that fireworks can be used. This includes fire crackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, Roman candles, and cones or fountains along with larger aerial fireworks.

They are not permitted within one half mile of Laramie city limits nor can they be used on lands operated by the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, Wyoming Game and Fish, or the State of Wyoming.

Aaron Voos, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Service says fireworks are not permitted on any federal lands. In addition, he says things like tracer or incendiary rounds and exploding targets are also not allowed because they present a fire danger.

Officials say that practicing fire safety and using a common sense approach can help present fires over the holiday. Although the area has seen high amounts of moisture, that does not eliminate the fire danger altogether. Sergeant Jeff Beeston, with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office says that even wet grass can burn and often fields that have new growth contain dry, dead plants under them.

“Use the same common sense approach to fire danger in a wet or dry year,” says Beeston.

In addition, people are asked to ensure minors are supervised by a responsible adult party when using any fireworks. People should use fireworks the way they are intended as well. This can help reduce injury and fire.

Everyone is encouraged to enjoy local public fireworks displays as well. These are done in controlled settings with fire emergency crews available for any accidents that may arise. This provides the public with another option to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Information on fire bans in the county can be found on the Albany County Fire Warden’s website.