craigdailypress.com

For many Americans, it's hard to imagine a better way to ring in the country's birth than by watching big, bright explosions cascade through the night sky.

On Tuesday night, local residents will get the chance to take part in that time-honored tradition when the city of Craig and Moffat County again team up for the annual fireworks show.

Some folks might be urged to show their patriotism and light their own fireworks, but officials say that would be a mistake.

"Leave the fireworks to us this year," Craig Fire/Rescue Chief Chris Nichols said.

Craig Fire/Rescue sets off the town's fireworks display.

Officials say the fire danger in Moffat County is about a month ahead of schedule. That means fire conditions are already as extreme as they typically would be in late July, when hot, dry weather and warm nights can fuel the West's biggest wildfires.

The fire danger is so high that fireworks and campfires outside of designated pits are illegal throughout Northwest Colorado.

"Even sparklers in the right kind of fuels can start a brushfire," Nichols said.

State officials also encourage residents to leave the fireworks to professionals.

Barbara Bailey, an injury prevention specialist with Safe Kids Colorado, a program of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said, "We recommend that individuals view a professional display instead of using fireworks for home displays. Permanent scarring, loss of vision, hearing and dismemberment are too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use."

Officer Marvin Cameron with the Craig Police Department said that although officers can write tickets for fireworks, they would rather not.

The department would prefer residents simply didn't light off fireworks, especially considering the high fire danger.

"Our preference is to warn people," Cameron said. "But we will write tickets."

Fireworks offenses can carry fines of between $75 and $300 and up to 90 days in jail.

If the possibility of a fine isn't enough to deter people from lighting their own fireworks, officials hope having a professional display for the public might.

The public display will start at dusk Tuesday, which is expected to be at about 9:30 p.m.

Nichols said the display should last 30 to 40 minutes.

During more than 20 years of the fireworks show, Nichols said the department has regularly received compliments about the grand finale, which has about 300 shots.

One of the best things about the show is that it's the only thing like it in Craig.

"We're the only show in town," Nichols said.

For residents, the show isn't just great entertainment; it's also a source of pride.

From her home near the high school, Moffat County Clerk and Recorder Elaine Sullivan has one of the best seats in town to watch the display.

Sullivan said she's met out-of-towners who brag about their hometown shows.

"And theirs weren't anything close to ours," Sullivan said. "Ours are amazing."