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Wheat Ridge police using drones to curb illegal firework usage

By June 28, 2024 | updated 1 year ago

Swarm of drones flying in the sky Photo Credit: Chesky_W (iStock).
FILE PHOTO: The Wheat Ridge Police Department is using drones to help identify, and stop, illegal fireworks this July Fourth season.
Chesky_W/iStock.com

Drones aren’t just overtaking fireworks shows — they’re working to stop illegal ones, too.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department will be using its new drone equipment to pinpoint illegal firework users during the Fourth of July holiday — a new endeavor adopted by the department earlier this year, a spokesperson from the Wheat Ridge Police Department told The Denver Gazette. 

The use of fireworks that cause explosions or launch into the air is considered illegal in the state of Colorado. Some city and county ordinances allow for the use of “safe and sane” fireworks, like fountains, smoke bombs, snakes and sparklers.

Firework safety tips ahead of Fourth of July celebrations
Report illegal fireworks in Jefferson County via mobile app

The use of any fireworks, including those considered safe and sane, is considered illegal in Wheat Ridge as part of the city’s fire code. 

Being caught using fireworks of any kind can lead to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail or both, depending on officer discretion. 

The new drones will help the department find those breaking the law. 

While the department didn’t want to describe too many tactics on how the drones will work to catch firework users around the holidays, they did note that the usage will be “reactionary” to community complaints about fireworks.

The department received 18 calls regarding illegal fireworks on July 3, 2023. They received 63 on July 4 and nine on July 5.

But while the high-flying cameras may appear to be a frightening new tactic based out of science-fiction films, the department noted that they are not being used to spy on people.  

“We use our drones for a variety of different calls,” spokesperson Alex Rose said. “We use them for missing people. We use them for suspect searches, building sweeps. … It’s just a tool that helps us do what we’re already doing. We are already out responding to complaints about fireworks.”

The program started in December 2023 and the first drones were used in April of this year.

“Our drones are an incredible tool to enhance the work that we are already doing,” Rose said. “It gives us a different perspective that we’ve never had before and helps us promote public safety.”

If someone wants to report fireworks during the holidays in Jefferson County, they are asked to avoid calling 911 to keep lines clear for critical emergencies. Instead, they can download the Jeffcom911 app, call 303-980-7340 or report online at https://spark.backingfire.com/jeffcomco.

Sage Kelley

Reporter

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