DENVER (KDVR) — Officials are hoping that providing residents who purchase fireworks in Castle Rock with safe disposal instructions and tools will help curb potential fires this year.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue partnered with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to provide tools and information for residents to safely dispose of used personal fireworks. Each year, fire crews are called to homes where fireworks have either ignited the home or have ignited nearby grassland or household items.

Last year, South Metro Fire Rescue said it responded to 45 fires within six hours on the Fourth of July. One adult was reported to have suffered serious injuries, and one child had minor injuries from two separate fireworks incidents as well.

“Used fireworks can be dangerous if not properly discarded,” said Castle Rock Fire Chief Norris Croom in the agency's announcement of the initiative. “The Fireworks Bucket Brigade is a simple and effective way to prevent garbage can, garage and house fires and helps keep our neighborhoods safe during Independence Day.”

Castle Rock's campaign is called the Bucket Brigade because of the five-gallon buckets that hold the tools and information being distributed. The kits will be distributed to Castle Rock fireworks stands beginning Monday, June 23, and will be available to adults who purchase personal fireworks on a first-come, first-served basis.

The buckets include educational stickers that provide step-by-step fireworks disposal instructions, but are mainly designed to serve as reminders for anyone using personal fireworks to soak them overnight in water. Fireworks, including sparklers and other personal use fireworks, can ignite trash cans, garages and homes if disposed of improperly.

The buckets are intended for personal use fireworks only and will be available through the participating stands while supplies last.

The participating fireworks stands are:

• Davey Jones Fireworks
  • 1048 Brookside
  • 3159 Castleton
• TNT Fireworks
  • 5050 Factory Shops Boulevard
  • 5940 Promenade
  • 441 Perry Street

The five-gallon buckets were donated by Kim's Gourmet Sauces, Sherwin-Williams, The Home Depot, Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply, and Firehouse Subs.

The fire department also reminded residents that any fireworks that leave the ground, explode or break off into pieces are illegal and could be seized by law enforcement. Legal fireworks can be purchased at vendors in the town and may only be used on July 4 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., as determined by the town's code.

If a fire ban is in place, no personal fireworks are allowed.