Fire Department leaders are encouraging Metro Area residents to attend public firework displays instead of purchasing fireworks.
If residents must buy fireworks, buy from local vendors to be assured what you buy is safe and legal for use within the City of Albuquerque. People that purchase illegal fireworks and import them to use in the city are placing their community at risk for a disaster.
Firework Guidelines
The following fireworks are illegal:
- Ground audible devices: Chasers and Fire crackers.
- Aerial devices: including Aerial shell kits and Reloadable tubes, Aerial spinners, Helicopters, Mines, Missile-type, etc.
- Once ignited, aerial and ground audible devices take an unpredictable flight path and pose a significant fire hazard to structures and vegetation. They also possess a significant injury potential to the user and innocent bystanders. These devices are also disturbing to public peace.
The following fireworks are legal and may be used:
- Cone Fountains, Crackling Devices, Cylindrical fountains, and Flitter sparklers.
- Ground Spinners, Illuminating torches, Toy smoke devices, and Wheels.
Firework Hotline
- To report illegal fireworks on July 3rd, 4th, 5th from 7:00pm-1:00am call (505) 833-7335.
- To report illegal fireworks any other time, call (505) 833-7390.
Units from the Albuquerque Fire Department will be patrolling from July 3th -5th inspecting local firework vendors and searching for illegal fireworks. Those who are caught WILL be cited and will have a mandatory court appearance.
Penalties
- Anyone who is caught with illegal fireworks will be cited, have their fireworks confiscated, must go to court and could face up to a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail.
Firework Safety
If you must use fireworks, please follow these firework safety tips:
- Fireworks should not be used on “Red Flag Warning” days, as these days indicate extreme risk for fires. To keep current, go to www.weather.gov
- What and where to buy -Always buy fireworks from local vendors.
- Have a water source available close by.
- Supervision – Always have an adult present and never allow children to use fireworks.
- Use caution – Always use fireworks outdoors on a paved area clear from homes, trees, vegetation, and other combustible materials.
- Follow directions – Always read and follow directions carefully. Only light one firework at a time then move away quickly.
- Disposal – Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Do not attempt to make your own fireworks. Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions. In 2012, illegal and homemade fireworks were in involved in all 6 U.S deaths during the 4th of July holiday.
