With the Fourth of July weekend knocking at the door, Grand Junction officials are sounding the alarm — celebrate, sure, but do it safely.

Fireworks and Fire Restrictions Don’t Mix

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for Mesa County, and that means one thing: leave the fireworks to the pros.

One sentence here: It’s illegal to light up your own show this year.

Kelly Clingman from the Grand Junction Police Department put it bluntly: “We are in a Stage 1 Fire Restriction. Any personal use of all fireworks is illegal.” It doesn’t get clearer than that.

So if you want to watch something explode in the sky, Lincoln Park’s got you covered. The city’s official fireworks show is on Friday. Safer for everyone, less risk of turning a spark into a full-on wildfire.

What Happens If You See Illegal Fireworks?

One of the biggest worries? Backyard fireworks gone wrong. Police say if you spot your neighbor setting off rockets or Roman candles, don’t just grumble about it over the fence.

One sentence: Pick up the phone.

Clingman says it’s fine to call 911 for an immediate threat or the non-emergency dispatch line if it’s not an emergency yet. No one wants to be a snitch — but no one wants to lose a house to flames either.

Grilling Can Be Risky Too

Of course, fireworks aren’t the only fire hazard. Backyard burgers and hot dogs bring their own set of risks.

Dirk Clingman with the Grand Junction Fire Department says folks forget grills can be real trouble if they’re not looked after. “Holiday grilling has a lot of potential for danger,” he says. “Make sure you’re prepared.”

That means checking for propane leaks, cleaning off greasy residue, and keeping flammables far, far away. It might feel like overkill — until it isn’t.

Keep a Safe Distance

How far should that grill be from your deck railing, lawn chairs, or Aunt Nancy’s hanging ferns? Dirk’s rule of thumb:

• Five-foot buffer around the grill with nothing that could catch fire

• Three-foot “no kids” zone to avoid accidental burns

These simple reminders might save you an ER visit.

One neighbor said last year his cousin tried grilling under a porch. “He damn near set the siding on fire. Never again,” he said, shaking his head.

Parks Have Their Own Rules

Heading to Lincoln Park or Sherwood for the big day? Better know the ground rules before you roll in with your gear.

City parks are smoke-free zones. Bring your picnic baskets, not your cigarettes. And if you want to grill, use the built-in park grills — not your own portable one. Seems picky? Maybe. But it keeps embers contained.

One sentence: No one wants a flare-up by the splash pad.

The Costs of Carelessness

The reality is, careless fun can cost big. Last year, Mesa County saw multiple grass fires sparked by illegal fireworks. A few minutes of fun turned into thousands of dollars in damage — not to mention the danger to firefighters.

Here’s a look at the numbers from past years:

Dirk Clingman says every single one of those could’ve been avoided.

Tips to Keep It Safe

It can feel like there’s a long list of “don’ts” for July Fourth. But honestly, most of it boils down to common sense:

• Let the pros handle the fireworks.

• Keep the grill clean and far from anything flammable.

• Keep kids and pets at a safe distance.

• Follow park rules — they’re not just for fun police.

One line here: Simple stuff, but it works.

Why It Matters More This Year

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions mean conditions are dry. Really dry. One spark can leap a fence, cross a yard, and threaten a neighborhood.

Kelly Clingman says these rules aren’t meant to kill the holiday spirit. They’re about protecting it — and making sure the Fourth ends with fireworks in the sky, not sirens on the street.

Dirk’s final word? “We want people to have fun. But we want them to do it without an ambulance ride or a wildfire. That’s it.”

And for most folks in Grand Junction, that’s more than fair.