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Fireworks Allowed In El Paso County;Firefighters Staying Busy Save Email Print
Colorado Springs
Posted: 11:58 AM Jul 5, 2008
Last Updated: 6:16 PM Jul 5, 2008
Reporter: Rosie Barresi
Email Address: rbarresi@kktv.com

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Wildfires have been popping up all throughout El Paso County over the last couple of days.

Fire officials say the three things that are not helping are hot temperatures, dry conditions and fireworks.

In El Paso County, fireworks are allowed.

"I think it should be illegal out here," said Shawn Lenehan, who lives in El Paso County.

Firefighters are not sure what sparked an 80-acre fire Saturday afternoon, but they are asking people to stop lighting up firecrackers. Fire officials say they have already responded to several other fires that were started by fireworks.

The 80-acre fire broke out at the intersection of Peerless Farms Rd and Flat creek Rd in eastern El Paso County. That's near Falcon and Peyton Highways.

Several fire trucks from several surrounding towns rolled in to help out.

"We saw the smoke," said Lenehan.

"The wind became very fast, very hot and the fire took off on us," said John Scorsine, Falcon Firefighter.

The three-foot flames that licked the air are now gone. Fire officials were able to put the fire out with-in a few hours.

Lenehan's home isn't far from where the blaze flickered up, and she says the thought of a firecracker being the cause makes her feel uneasy. "I hope that isn't wasn't caused this one," said Lenehan.

Since late Friday night Lenehan said, "There were still several fireworks going off."

"It's clear that the prudent thing to do is please don't have open fires and please don't use fireworks," said Scorsine.

Play it safe. Firefighters say keep in mind that the 80-acre fire alone put half a dozen homes at risk of burning down.

Fire officials say they've been responding to multiple fires since Friday, and since the Fourth of July weekend isn't over they expect to continue the hustle and bustle.

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Posted by: Troy Location: Loveland, CO on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:50 AM
I actually agree with the Fire "officials" here. They allowed the fireworks to be legal. With that right comes responsibility. Since it is dry and it's no longer July 4, people need to put them away and save them for some rainy days....or even new years eve.

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