Unwilling to set precedent and uncomfortable with the tight deadline, Ouray County commissioners on Tuesday denied an application to conduct a private fireworks display at the Sleeping Indian Ranch northeast of Ridgway.

The decision, which came after 45 minutes of debate, primarily focused on two points: the noise causing a public nuisance and a fire risk on adjacent land. The show was slated to occur on July 8 for a private audience at the property’s 40,000-square-foot lodge. With the City of ...