Las Cruces fire, police and codes enforcement personnel confiscated an estimated $5,000 worth of illegal fireworks and firefighters responded to more than 250 fire or fireworks-related calls for service during the first four days of July.
The $5,000 worth of illegal fireworks included several varieties prohibited for use or possession within city limits including aerial and ground audible devices. The fireworks were undoubtedly purchased in another jurisdiction and brought into Las Cruces contrary to city ordinance. Two citations were issued for the possession or use of illegal fireworks.
Fireworks illegal within city limits include aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers.
No major injuries or fires related to the use of fireworks were reported within city limits, but firefighters responded to 255 fire or fireworks-related calls for service between July 1-4. Of those 255 calls for service, 223 were calls or complaints about illegal fireworks.
The fire department also responded to 10 brush fires and two dumpster fires that were likely attributed to the use of fireworks. The exact cause of those fires is often undetermined but, given the time of year, likely attributed to fireworks.
Illegal fireworks confiscated by fire, police and codes enforcement will eventually be turned over for destruction by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.
Information from Las Cruces Police