By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open burning, the use of fireworks, portable fireplaces/fire pits and campfires in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
In observation of the Independence Day holiday, all County offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. Offices will reopen for regular hours on Monday, July 6. Many County services are available 24/7 on our Online Services webpage.
Posted on July 2, 2026 2026News and EventsPublic Safety
In response to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions now in effect in Douglas County, the fireworks display scheduled for July 4 at Highland Heritage Regional Park is cancelled.
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the use of all fireworks — including professional fireworks displays — is prohibited. Fireworks shows planned in Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Parker are also cancelled.
“Fireworks are a long-standing tradition in Colorado – and so is the possibility of cancellation due to weather or fire conditions. When the fireworks show planned by the Highlands Ranch HOA was originally cancelled in May, we heard from disappointed residents who wanted to celebrate with a fireworks show,” said Commissioner George Teal. “As we contemplated reinstating this professional show, we always had safety at the forefront, putting in place a variety of precautions to ensure the safest event possible. As part of that planning, we knew cancelling due to fire or weather conditions was a possibility – just like every year.”
“Our priority was to give our community a safe opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th birthday together,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “After hearing from many citizens, we explored every avenue to bring the show back. However, Stage 2 fire restrictions mean conditions are now too dangerous. We are grateful to South Metro Fire Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office, and our Parks team for continually monitoring the situation. Ultimately, the safety of Highlands Ranch families comes first, and we will trust the advice of our public safety professionals.”
Commissioners Teal and Van Winkle voted in favor of the fireworks show during a public work session Tuesday. Commissioner Abe Laydon voted no.
“My position is not about celebrating less – it’s about celebrating responsibly while protecting our community,” Laydon said.
The County was still finalizing its contract with the fireworks vendor when the show was cancelled and will not incur any costs related to the planned show or its cancellation.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office – along with all other fire jurisdictions in Douglas County – implemented the heightened restrictions due to continued dry conditions, elevated wildfire danger, increased risk of human-caused fires, and available firefighting resources statewide.
Residents are reminded that under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the following are not allowed:
The following activities remain allowed:
For the latest information on fire restrictions in Douglas County, visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website.
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