Wednesday marks the first day fireworks are allowed to be sold within city limits, so the Las Cruces Fire Department is reminding residents of general guidelines and safety tips for the upcoming Independence Day holiday.
Fireworks can be sold within city limits from June 20 through July 6.
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.
- Due to very dry weather conditions, light fireworks only on paved or barren surfaces.
- 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.
- Pet owners should secure their dogs and cats indoors when fireworks are discharged.
The Las Cruces fire and police departments will schedule increased patrols to target the use of illegal fireworks. Police and fire are prepared to issue citations and confiscate illegal fireworks.
Residents who witness the use of illegal fireworks, or any dangerous behavior related to fireworks, are asked to call (575) 526-0795. Residents should call 911 only if it’s an emergency.