Some local officials in New Mexico are fretting over their inability to ban all fireworks as the fire season approaches. A proposal to expand the authority of the state, cities and counties to ban all fireworks was derailed during the last legislative session.
A 1999 law limited what cities and counties can do in regulating fireworks.
They can prohibit certain types of fireworks, such as Roman candles and firecrackers, but can't outright ban a group of commonly used sparkling devices.
They can restrict the use of certain fireworks during times of severe drought, but have to issue a proclamation with the restrictions at least 20 days before the Fourth of July.
Local officials want more flexibility.
Fireworks vendors say the current system is working.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.