Fourth of July cleanup begins in far east El Paso County

Residents’ fears became a trash-filled reality Tuesday morning after a long night of Independence Day celebrations in far east El Paso County.

The remnants of fireworks, trash and empty beer cans could be seen in almost every empty lot along Montana Avenue.

The El Paso Sheriff’s Office confirmed with ABC-7 that county jail inmates would be assisting with picking up all the trash.

“We came out here early to beat the inmates,” said a woman who was picking up aluminum cans.

She said the money she makes from cashing in the cans will go to a local animal rescue.

Some saw the silver lining, but other residents were not looking forward to the cleanup even before the celebrations started.

“This is bad because they don’t clean up. If the wind comes, it’s going to blow right to my house over there and now I’ve got to pick up their mess,” said Juan Martinez, a resident of Montana Vista.

For the first time in five years, El Paso County officials allowed the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas including Montana Vista.

Some members of the Montana Vista Business Association offered their parking lots, for a small $5 fee, to pyrotechnics enthusiasts. It included security guards patrolling the areas and portable restrooms.

Albert Martinez told ABC-7 his family spent an estimated $2,000 on fireworks this year.

“Nothing but family and love for our country, man.”

Some families didn’t get to buy all the fireworks they wanted because many stands sold out.

One business owner blamed the empty shelves on what he called a late decision by county officials to allow fireworks.

“I just got a starter kit, that’s all they had,” said one customer.

No major incidents were reported Monday night.

Fire crews put out small brush fires in the area and sheriff’s deputies cited drivers who parked along Montana Avenue which was not allowed this year.