Steamboat Pilot & Today

Fireworks fans, have no fear -- yet. The city of Steamboat Springs' annual fireworks display is still a go.

However, city and law enforcement officials are keeping a close watch on wind, dry vegetation and other conditions that affect fire danger levels.

The city already has taken steps to reduce the potential danger of the fireworks, which usually are staged at four locations on Howelsen Hill. One of the locations has been eliminated because it has less emergency vehicle access than the others, Interim City Manager Wendy DuBord said.

DuBord said officials will meet Monday to decide whether to go forward with the show. The city is working closely with officials from Routt County, the U.S. Forest Service and the fire department. The city also is watching how other mountain communities plan their fireworks displays, she said.

The city has been watering Howelsen Hill for two days and will continue to do so until the show, DuBord said.

Despite the waterings, a fireworks display likely would result in some sort of fire, she said. Small grass fires ignite every year as a result of the show.

"It's not if we have a fire, it's where we have a fire," DuBord said.

Although officials want to move forward with the show, they will take note of fire danger and act accordingly, DuBord said.

"If conditions get to a point where we're not comfortable, we can cancel, even at the last minute," she said. "We certainly hope that we would go forward with the show."

The show costs about $20,000. The city budgets $10,000 for the show, and the rest comes from private contributions, DuBord said. This year's sponsors are SmartWool, TIC, Steamboat Resorts, Native Excavating, Ace at the Curve, First National Bank of Steamboat Springs and KBCR.

Another major contributor to the show is Tim Borden. He provides equipment and volunteers. He also purchases fireworks at wholesale cost, which allows the city to use more fireworks.

Because of Borden, the show is probably worth $40,000, even though it only costs $20,000, DuBord said.

That makes for a spectacular event, she said.

"If we have a fireworks show, we're going to have a great show," she said.

-- To reach Dana Strongin, call 871-4229

or e-mail dstrongin@steamboatpilot.com