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Durango Today
By the People, for the People
Durango Cancels Fourth of July Fireworks Amid Drought
Dry conditions across Colorado make fire risk too high, fire chief says
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:43pm
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As drought grips Colorado, the city of Durango foregoes its traditional Fourth of July fireworks display, opting instead to celebrate the holiday with music, community events, and a renewed focus on sustainability.Durango TodayThe city of Durango, Colorado has decided to cancel its annual Fourth of July fireworks show this year due to severe drought conditions across the state. Durango Fire Protection District Chief Randy Black said the fire district strongly encouraged the city to forego the fireworks display, citing record-low snowpack and dangerously dry conditions that pose a high risk of wildfires. The city will instead focus on other Independence Day festivities, including a street dance headlined by the Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Why it matters
Fireworks displays have become increasingly rare in Durango in recent years due to the growing threat of wildfires driven by drought. This decision highlights the challenges communities across Colorado are facing as they balance public safety with traditional Fourth of July celebrations during an era of climate change and water scarcity.
The details
Durango has only held two fireworks shows since 2019, with the city's last display taking place in 2024. Fire Chief Randy Black said the current snowpack and drought conditions across La Plata County and the wider region are 'just horrible,' with the area ranging from severe to exceptional drought levels. Black noted that a large swath of northwest Colorado is also in exceptional drought, calling it 'really bad news for our state.' He said the fire district did not want to risk burning down the town for the sake of a fireworks celebration.
- Durango's last fireworks show was held in 2024.
- The city has decided to cancel this year's Fourth of July fireworks display.
The players
Randy Black
Durango Fire Protection District Chief who strongly encouraged the city to cancel this year's fireworks show due to severe drought conditions.
Ellen Babers
Retiring city community events manager who announced the city's decision to cancel the fireworks display.
Eric Bulrice
Community events manager for the city of Durango who said the city wants to be 'proactive' and 'pivot to invest in a Fourth of July Celebration that's predictable, sustainable, and evolving with our community.'
Mike French
Prosperity officer for the city of Durango who announced the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will headline the city's Fourth of July street dance.
What they’re saying
“The chances of that happening are pretty dang slim, that all of a sudden we would have enough rain between now and then.”
— Randy Black, Durango Fire Protection District Chief
“We want to be proactive given the existing conditions and forecast and pivot to invest in a Fourth of July Celebration that's predictable, sustainable, and evolving with our community.”
— Eric Bulrice, Community events manager, City of Durango
“We are very excited about the ability to offer a nationally renowned band for a free community concert.”
— Mike French, Prosperity officer, City of Durango
What’s next
The city of Durango is planning a variety of other Fourth of July festivities, including a street dance headlined by the Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band, as well as races, rodeos, parades, a boxing match, and pie-eating contests.
The takeaway
Durango's decision to cancel its Fourth of July fireworks display underscores the growing challenges communities across Colorado face in balancing public safety and environmental concerns with traditional holiday celebrations during an era of persistent drought and heightened wildfire risk. As climate change continues to impact the region, cities may need to further adapt their Independence Day plans to be more sustainable and resilient.
