As Douglas County leaders weigh public safety decisions ahead of the July 4 holiday, including whether professional fireworks displays are appropriate under current conditions, another important drought-related issue is coming before local government. Colorado is experiencing one of its driest starts to the year in recent memory. Historically low snowpack, worsening drought conditions, dry vegetation, and elevated wildfire risk have prompted state and local agencies to take a

Most of us love celebrating the 4th of July. Fireworks are part of a long American tradition that brings families and communities together. But Douglas County also knows firsthand how quickly conditions can turn dangerous during drought season. Less than a year ago, a fireworks-related fire near Stonegate showed how rapidly dry vegetation can ignite after a fireworks malfunction: https://youtu.be/JWp5F1jrMu8?si=tRPYpwMvibtjgI4B Douglas County currently remains under Stage 1 F