The Las Cruces fire and police departments, along with Codes Enforcement officers, will increase patrols during the Fourth of July weekend to combat the possession and use of illegal fireworks within city limits.
The increased patrols will be held between the dates of July 3-4. Police, fire and Codes Enforcement personnel are prepared to issue citations and confiscate illegal fireworks. Residents who witness the use of illegal fireworks are asked to call the Central Dispatch non-emergency telephone number of (575) 526-0795. Residents should call 911 only in the event of an emergency.
In 2015, increased patrols resulted in 17 citations and the confiscation of an estimated $2,000 worth of illegal fireworks.
Fireworks allowed to be purchased and discharged in Las Cruces 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 in Las Cruces 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.
Additional rules and safety guidelines include:
- Fireworks may not be sold to anyone who is intoxicated or younger than 16.
- Keep in mind the hour of usage and be considerate of your neighbors.
- Be aware that dry weather conditions have left grasses and weeds susceptible to fire.
- Limit use of fireworks to the outdoors and away from combustibles.
- Children should never use fireworks without close adult supervision.
- Light only one pyrotechnic at a time and move a safe distance away while it ignites.
- Purchase fireworks only from a licensed vendor.
- Follow all label directions carefully and use common sense.
- Safely dispose of all spent casings and debris.
Information from Las Cruces Police