By Steven K. Paulson
Associated Press

DENVER — Gov. Bill Owens said Monday that fireworks are a bad idea for the Fourth of July because of a statewide drought, but he is reluctant to tell cities and counties how to address the problem.

Owens said county and municipal leaders are in the best position to know what is best for their areas.

"A lot of people say why doesn't the governor just ban the sale and use of fireworks. Cities in Colorado have the ability to ban the sale and use of fireworks. Counties have the ability to ban the use of fireworks, not the sale," he said.

Instead, the governor urged Coloradans to make it a family day and attend organized, municipal fireworks.

Owens said he will announce today whether he will impose a statewide ban for fires and fireworks. He said if he issues an executive order, it could be reversed.

"I certainly could if we had three weeks of rain, which would wipe out this drought, but we see no indication in the long-term weather forecast that we're going to be in any pattern of moisture that will reduce this drought," he said.

Rob Brown, president of the Colorado State Fire Chiefs association, said the organization stands by its request for a statewide ban because it would be almost impossible to assure public safety.

"We requested the ban because it is extremely difficult to get out and look in every nook and cranny," Brown said.

Much of the state already is under a fireworks ban and most counties have been responsible in a fire season that got off to an early start, he noted.

Under Colorado law, counties can ban the use but not the sale of fireworks. "How silly is it to ban the use, but not be able to ban the sale?" Owens asked.

He also said 120 businesses have invested a lot of money in fireworks that could have a big financial impact, and he does not want to cost someone his or her livelihood and entire inventory.

June 4, 2002

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