County will not ban fireworks, no 4th of July street closures planned for Montana Vista yet
For the first time in more than five years, Fireworks will light up the night sky on the Fourth of July in El Paso County.
As of June 15, 2016, the county was below the drought index of 575, meaning the sale of fireworks will be allowed.
During a news conference Thursday, County Judge Veronica Escobar urged El Pasoans to use extreme caution when celebrating Independence Day out in the county.
“We don’t have the drought numbers, but we are in the high category for risks of fires” Judge Escobar said.
The county wants everyone to be safe in unincorporated areas, especially a six mile stretch of Montana Avenue in Montana Vista.
“We see tens of thousands of people congregate in small areas and it becomes a safety problem,” Escobar said.
In years past, Montana Vista residents have had problems getting to their own homes, as traffic becomes a major issue. El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles referred to it as a “mad house,” adding it can create a very dangerous environment.
ABC-7 spoke with a resident of Montana Vista, who said she is not worried about the thousands of visitors expected to flock to fireworks stands in her neighborhood. “I’m excited. It’s excitement for the family, we haven’t done it in a long time,” the woman said.
Wiles told ABC-7 there have been no pre-approved street closures in Montana Vista. That decision would have to be made by county commissioners.
Wiles said streets have been closed in the past and it turns out to be “a double-edged sword because people were kept out of the areas they live because they couldn’t prove they live there.”
Wiles said extra deputies will be on staff that day. They will work with the DWI task force and constables to patrol the Montana Vista area.
“If you are reckless and someone gets hurt, you could be charged with assault. If you’re drunk, you could be charged with public intoxication,” Wiles said.
Sherriff Richard Wiles said fireworks are still banned within city limits.
