As the 4th of July weekend approaches we find ourselves busy preparing for fun and family time.??I thought it might be helpful to?share a few reminders of?things that may help to make this time more enjoyable and safe for everyone.? I hope you find this to be useful information.
Colorado has a state-wide ban on fireworks that explode or leave the ground, except for during pre-approved public displays. In general, sparklers and fountains are permitted. The current ban we are under does not ban sparklers and fountains.? HFPD
Fire Danger
You may have noticed the Red flags at our fire stations on the Ranch. These mean that fire danger is high and that there are fire bans in place. In order to know which bans are currently being?inforced, you can go to our Hartsel Fire Department website link here; http://hartselfire.org/news/?page_id=18
I called yesterday and spoke to the Assistant Chief-Chris Tingle and he said that at this point fires are allowed in fire rings but to check back on their site for updated information. No controlled burns are allowed.
An additional resource for finding out fire conditions is to call the recorded message at: 719-836-4160
Another helpful resource is: Firewise website
You will find a wealth of information there.
Fireworks
I found this site to be helpful;? http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: (see site above for much more information)
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Lightning and Weather in the Mountains 
This website?is a great place to go for current conditions;
Colorado Lightening Resource page http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/?n=ltg.php
Lightning Safety Tips-article from the http://www.thecohiker.com website
Nearly one hundred people are killed each year from lightning strikes. So, how do you stay safe during a storm that produces ground to cloud electricity? The following tips provide guidance on how to minimize risk during a severe, lightning-filled storm:
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