Check laws before you light those fireworks on July 4

Fireworks are a time-honored tradition for celebrating the Fourth of July.

And so is angering the neighbors with loud noise.

Before you light that fuse, make sure you aren’t breaking the law.

Only fireworks that do not leave the ground are legal in Colorado. Firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles, cherry bombs and mortars are illegal throughout the state, per Colorado law.

All fireworks, except professional displays, are illegal in Denver, Lakewood, Golden and various other municipalities.

Golden Fire Rescue on Thursday tweeted a warning that illegal fireworks can cost people up to a $2,650 fine and 180 days in jail.

The Lakewood Police Department is encouraging citizens to help them map illegal fireworks. In Aurora, fireworks are legal between June 15 and July 4. Denver, Lakewood and Aurora are all holding public firework displays for people to attend.

Colorado’s mountain towns also will have lots of firework displays, although some towns have opted to forgo fireworks because of concerns about fire risk.

Breckenridge, Frisco, Manitou Springs and Cañon City will not have fireworks. And instead of fireworks, Aspen has decided to have a drone show, and Glenwood Springs will be hosting a laser show.

Purchasing fireworks in another state and transporting them to Colorado is illegal, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. The department encourages people to attend professional displays instead of lighting their own fireworks.

For those using their own fireworks, the department recommends these safety tips:

• Light fireworks one at a time.

• Keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby.

• Never light them near dry grass or other flammable materials.

• Never place a body part directly over fireworks to light a fuse.

• Back up several feet after lighting.

• Never point fireworks at another person.

• Do not wear loosefitting clothes.

• Do not carry fireworks in your pockets.

Fireworks can be harmful to animals as well as people, and the Dumb Friends League recommends these steps to prevent pets from panicking and trying to escape their homes:

• Keep pets indoors and in a quiet, isolated room.

• Turn on a fan or a TV to muffle outside noise.

• Play with pets to distract them.

• Make sure pets have an ID tag in case they run away.