Englewood City Council cancels Fourth of July fireworks in 4-3 decision

Englewood City Council on Monday night canceled the annual Belleview/Cornerstone parks Fourth of July fireworks show for this year in a 4-3 decision.

The council heard from three staff members advocating for canceling the fireworks display on grounds of anticipated fire risk by the end of June: Toni Arnoldy, events coordinator; Christina Underhill, director of parks, recreation, library and golf; and Mike Smith, fire marshal.

Favoring the cancellation of the fireworks show were Mayor Othoniel Sierra and Councilmembers Chelsea Nunnenkamp, Cheryl Wink and Jim Woodward. The minority urging the fireworks plan to remain in place with the possibility of a late cancellation if conditions warranted consisted of Mayor Pro Tem Steve Ward and Councilmembers Joe Anderson and Rita Russell.

Alternative events will be scheduled from 1-6 p.m. at Belleview and Cornerstone parks.

Some other metro-area municipalities have canceled fireworks shows this year, including Golden and Parker.

A staff report prepared for the council's study session said event funding partners Arapahoe County, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the City of Littleton supported the idea of canceling fireworks. 

To view the discussion on video, click here and watch from 1:21:45 to 1:48:05.

To read the staff report advocating for the fireworks cancellation, click here.