The Town of Estes Park announced Monday afternoon that it has postponed its annual Fourth of July fireworks display over Lake Estes as wildfire danger continues to increase across northern Colorado. A new date will be announced when conditions improve.
Town officials made the decision Monday in consultation with the Estes Valley Fire Protection District after evaluating rapidly changing fire conditions, an unfavorable weather forecast, and the growing demand for firefighting resources throughout Colorado as crews and equipment are deployed to active wildfires around the state.
According to Estes Park Deputy Town Administrator Jason Damweber, the decision was data-driven.
“Data around drought conditions in our region and conditions locally inform the fire district’s decisions to enact restrictions. But data is one piece of it. It’s important for the community to understand that a multitude of considerations go into a decision like this,” said Damweber in an email to the Estes Valley Voice.
Last week, officials from the town and the Estes Valley Fire Protection District met to discuss the annual fireworks show. At that time, even with stage 2 restrictions and “severe drought” conditions in place, officials expected the show to proceed July 4, Damweber said.
One consideration discussed was that a professional firework show can discourage members of the public from setting off fireworks illegally, which poses a far greater risk of starting a fire.
Officials decided to revisit the situation on Monday before making the final determination.
“In light of the significant change in fire risk and weather over the weekend, along with the strain on firefighting resources from active wildfires in Colorado and neighboring states, we were in complete agreement with the fire district’s assessment that it was no longer in the community’s best interest to proceed,” said Damweber.
The decision comes just days after three wildland firefighters were killed while battling a fast-moving wildfire along the Utah-Colorado border, underscoring the heightened fire danger facing the region.
The victims — Emily Barker, 38, of Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 27, of Alabama — were members of a Helitack crew, a specialized helicopter-deployed team that provides rapid response to wildfires. Two other firefighters on the crew were injured, but authorities have not released their identities.
While the Estes Valley Fire Protection District has personnel and resources in place to respond to emergencies within its service area, officials said postponing the fireworks display is the safest course of action.
“Fire safety is our highest priority,” the town said in announcing the postponement. “We all share the responsibility of protecting our community by following current fire restrictions.”
Last week, in an email to the Estes Valley Voice, the town’s Public Information Officer Kate Miller said the town’s contract for the fireworks display is valued at $57,000. Under the agreement, if conditions make it unsafe to launch the fireworks, the town does not face a financial penalty. Instead, the display can be rescheduled for a later date when conditions are considered safe.
Miller also emphasized that the postponement affects only the fireworks. The Big Bang Concert at the Events Complex Main Arena and the Patriotic Concert at Performance Park will proceed as scheduled during the Fourth of July holiday.
Residents and visitors are urged to report any sign of smoke, unattended fire, or sparks immediately by calling 911.
Rocky Mountain National Park enters stage 2 fire restrictions
Adding to heightened fire concerns, Rocky Mountain National Park implemented stage 2 fire restrictions on Monday afternoon, effective June 29, due to extreme fire danger, continued dry weather, and wildfire activity throughout Colorado.
Under the restrictions:
- All campfires, including charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited throughout the park.
- Petroleum-fueled stoves and grills may still be used in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and designated wilderness campsites, provided they can be turned on and off.
- Smoking is prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle or while stopped on a paved area that is free of vegetation for at least three feet.
- Fireworks remain prohibited throughout Rocky Mountain National Park at all times.
The stage 2 restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. The park normally operates under permanent stage 1 restrictions, which prohibit campfires except within designated fire rings in front-country campgrounds and picnic areas. The last time the park enacted stage 2 restrictions was in March 2026.
Fire restrictions remain in effect
Current stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit:
- Charcoal and wood grills, campfires, and all other open flames.
- Smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Parking or idling vehicles over dry grass or other vegetation, where hot exhaust systems can quickly ignite wildland fuels.
Officials also reminded the public that personal fireworks are illegal within the Town of Estes Park and throughout the surrounding area, regardless of fire restrictions. Beyond violating local law, private fireworks significantly increase the risk of wildfire and injury.
Additional information about local fire restrictions is available through the Estes Valley Fire Protection District.
Why drought matters
The increasing wildfire danger reflects broader drought conditions that have developed across portions of Colorado.
Unlike sudden natural disasters, drought develops gradually as precipitation falls below normal over weeks, months, or even years. Scientists monitor drought by evaluating multiple indicators rather than relying on a single measurement.
Among the key factors are:
- Rainfall and snowfall deficits.
- Soil moisture levels.
- Streamflow, reservoir storage, and groundwater levels.
- Temperature and evaporation rates.
- Vegetation health observed through satellite imagery.
These data are combined in the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor, which classifies conditions from D0 (Abnormally Dry) to D4 (Exceptional Drought). Higher drought categories are associated with worsening agricultural impacts, declining water supplies, and significantly elevated wildfire risk.
With fire conditions expected to remain hazardous through the holiday week, officials are asking everyone to exercise caution and do their part to help protect the Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Yes we need to be firesafe, but I wonder if not having the safe display over the lake and most activity confined to this relatively small area makes the wildfire risk higher. It is possible that not having the safe fireworks causes folks to ignite their own fireworks all over the place (at their houses, in the woods, etc). This could cause fires all over the place thus making possible fire danger even worse. Just a thought. Enjoy the Fourth safely and be fire wise!