The Thornton Police Department will have a comprehensive fireworks enforcement and outreach plan in place throughout the summer of 2026. It will include dedicated enforcement units, increased public awareness efforts, and targeted education in areas with frequent violations.
What You Need to Know:
NEW THIS YEAR: Property owners can now be held accountable for fireworks violations occurring on their property. The updated ordinance allows the city to issue tickets directly to property owners when a violation is observed, regardless of whether the specific violator is identified.
Fireworks are dangerous and illegal in Thornton.
They cause fires, lead to serious injuries, and disrupt our community.
Officers in both marked and unmarked vehicles will be patrolling known hotspot areas conducting strategic enforcement.
Fines are steep and enforcement is real — $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense within two years. Fireworks may be seized.
How to Report Fireworks in the City of Thornton:
Decide if you are willing to sign as a complaining witness and testify in court to your observations. This allows officers to issue a summons based on your report, even if they do not directly witness the violation.
Determine the exact address associated with the active fireworks.
Take photos and/or video from a safe location and identify other witnesses. Do not approach or confront individuals; however, it helps if you’re able to identify them.
Call 720-977-5150 and press 6 to speak with a dispatcher. Online reporting will also be available July 2-5, 2026 on this web page (thorntonpd.org/fireworks).
Have your photos or videos ready, officers will ask you to email or text them the evidence.
Dispose of Fireworks Safely
If you have fireworks you'd like to get rid of, you can safely dispose of them without penalty by bringing them to any Thornton Fire Station.
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
Join the City of Thornton’s free Fourth of July celebration featuring food vendors, live music, and a professional fireworks display. Enjoy the festivities without risking injury, fire, or fines.
To help keep families safe during the event, we encourage parents and guardians to make sure their children have some form of identification with their name and a guardian’s phone number. Thornton PD will be offering free paper wristbands at the event for this purpose, or you’re welcome to create your own at home.
Let’s work together to keep Thornton safe this Fourth of July!
Download, save and share the flyers below to help spread the word.
