PUEBLO — The Pueblo Police Department and the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on fireworks usage for the Fourth of July due to high fire danger in the area.

Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect across Pueblo County, prohibiting the sale or use of fireworks. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying, "With the fire danger extremely high and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect, NO fireworks permitted this year." All professional fireworks shows previously planned for Pueblo have been canceled or postponed.

Pueblo Police Department Sgt. Antoinette Ramos stated that units are specifically deployed for fireworks enforcement. Ramos said, "We do have units going out basically just for fireworks, and it's zero tolerance, so if we find them, we will be citing them." She added, "We're definitely going to be out there ... our team is focused on fireworks."

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office emphasized the consequences for violations, stating, "Zero tolerance for those in violation. Deputies will be out looking for anyone putting our community at risk. If you're caught, you will be cited and fined." The Aspen Acres Fire is ongoing in the area, contributing to the heightened fire danger.

In addition to fireworks, Stage 2 restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. Smoking is also prohibited under these restrictions. Other banned activities include welding or operating certain torches, operating or using internal combustion engines without spark-arresting devices, and using a motor vehicle off established roads.