As surrounding cities cancel their Fourth of July fireworks shows amid dangerous fire conditions, Cortez officials announced Tuesday that the annual display of lights at Parque de Vida will still go off as planned, for now.
“While many communities have canceled their shows due to drought and regional wildland fires, Cortez is uniquely positioned to safely host its display from the center of Parque de Vida,” the city wrote in a statement.
The city will coordinate with the Cortez Fire Protection District and the police department to monitor weather conditions and respond to any immediate emergencies before and during the free event, scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. at 400 N. Mildred Ave.
On Tuesday, Silverton canceled its show for the first time in six years, citing extreme fire danger, joining Durango, Rico and Towaoc.
The Ferris Fire that erupted north of Dolores on Saturday continued to burn across thousands of acres in the San Juan National Forest Tuesday.
Cortez Parks and Recreation Director Creighton Wright said the location of Cortez’s show gives the city a distinct advantage in terms of safety and limited fire danger.
“With regard to the drought conditions, we are fortunate that the fireworks site is in the middle of an irrigated park,” Wright said. “We have a significant safety zone around the launch zone where only CFPD is permitted.”
He added that the police and fire departments as well as the event management team will issue decisions in the interest of public safety quickly with the event expected to draw in a crowd of more than 5,000.
“The City of Cortez and our partners, especially the Cortez Fire Protection District and Fundamental Needs, expect to provide an amazing, family-friendly, memorable, and, above all, safe event experience,” Wright said. “I expect continued evolution and community fun for years to come.”
avanderveen@the-journal.com
