El Paso County has until Friday to decide whether to ban aerial fireworks July 4th

On Monday, El Paso County Commissioners received a presentation regarding the sale, use and possession of fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Right now, El Paso County ranks 541 on the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index. If the county reaches 575 on that index before Friday, the county has the ability to ban restricted fireworks, most commonly aerial fireworks.

County Judge Ruben Vogt said he doesn’t believe El Paso County will reach 575 on the index by Friday, therefore a ban on restricted fireworks isn’t likely. “There are several other counties that have a higher index then we do and I’m not sure if I’m going to take any action,” Vogt said, “We’re not quite sure if that would allow us to issue a disaster declaration and still have the support to extend that declaration. So right now, we’re meeting that threshold. The likelihood of getting there is a little tough right now.”

However, if the index eventually reaches 575, it is possible for the county to issue a disaster declaration, which could lead to the county banning all fireworks.

In 2016 and 2017 the county did not ban restricted fireworks or issue the disaster declaration.

While El Paso County currently ranks below 575 on the drought index, Commissioner Vince Perez said just because the county doesn’t meet the threshold, doesn’t mean there aren’t dangers. He referenced the fires in northern New Mexico, saying this is some of the “driest conditions we’ve seen”.

Vogt said we are seeing drought-like conditions. He also referenced the thousands of residents that flock to the Montana Vista area every year, and the safety hazard it creates for residents in the community.