Fireworks Safety is Urged

Fireworks sales are underway in New Mexico, so the Las Cruces Fire Department is providing general guidelines and safety tips for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.

By state law, fireworks can be sold from June 20 through July 6.

Fireworks allowed to be purchased and discharged within Las Cruces city limits are ground and hand-held sparkling and smoking devices such as: cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, illuminating torches, smoke devices and wheels.

Fireworks prohibited for possession, sale or use within Las Cruces city limits are aerial and ground audible devices such as: aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers.

Since fireworks purchased outside Las Cruces may be prohibited within the city it is advised to possess and discharge fireworks only in the jurisdiction where they were purchased.  The penalty for use and/or possession of prohibited fireworks in Las Cruces can include a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days incarceration.

Rules and safety guidelines include:

• Purchase fireworks only from a licensed vendor within the municipality they will be used.
• Fireworks may not be sold to anyone who is intoxicated or younger than 16.
• Children should never use fireworks without close adult supervision.
• Keep in mind the hours of usage and be considerate of your neighbors.
• Use fireworks only outdoors, away from combustibles, and only on paved or barren land.
• Light only one firework at a time and move a safe distance away while it ignites.
• Follow all label directions carefully and use common sense.
• Do not manipulate or otherwise use fireworks in a way that’s contrary to the manufacturer’s labeling.
• Have a reliable water source, such as a garden hose, available while discharging fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in a bucket or tub of water before safely disposing of all spent casings and debris.
• Pet owners are encouraged to shelter their dogs and cats indoors when fireworks are discharged.

Fireworks should only be used on paved or barren surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or dirt with no vegetation nearby. The use of fireworks is prohibited on lands covered wholly or in part by timber, brush, grass, grain, or other flammable vegetation.

The Las Cruces Fire Department will schedule increased patrols in the next several days to target illegal use and possession of fireworks. Citations could be issued, and the confiscation of illegal fireworks is authorized.

Anyone who witnesses the use of illegal fireworks is asked to call the non-emergency number to Mesilla Valley Dispatch Authority at (575) 526-0795. To report an emergency, call 911.