Fireworks are allowed in Albuquerque with some restrictions, so it pays to know what the city Fire Marshal has in mind.
What fireworks are allowed?
Fireworks that can be bought, sold and discharged within the city limits are:
Cone fountains
Crackling devices
Cylindrical fountains
Flitter sparklers
Ground spinners
Illuminating torches
Toy smoke devices
Wheels
What fireworks are not allowed?
No ground audible devices are allowed within city limits. This includes chasers and firecrackers.
No audible devices are allowed. This includes:
Aerial spinners
Chasers
Helicopters
Mines
Missle-style rockets
Roman candles
Shells
Stick type rockets
Illegal Fireworks
The Albuquerque Fire Department will patrol Albuquerque streets to ensure fireworks safety. They will also man the Illegal Fireworks Hotline, (505) 833-7390 if anyone needs to report illegal fireworks. On July 3 and 4, calls should be made to (505) 833-7335; do not call the 7390 number on those days.
Consequences of Illegal Fireworks Use
If someone is caught with illegal fireworks, possession results in a citation. Items will be confiscated. Use of or possession of these devices results in a mandatory court appearance for a misdemeanor. Illegal fireworks misdemeanors result in fines up to $500 and 90 days in jail.
There is a ban on fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Bernalillo county because of severe drought conditions. The ban encompasses areas east of Tramway Boulevard to the western face of the Sandia mountains, from San Antonio north to the Sandia reservation, the east mountain area and within 1000 feet of the Rio Grande bosque.
The ban applies to the use or sale of fireworks.
In all other areas of the county, permissible fireworks can be set off in barren or paved areas. Cones, fountains and hand-held sparklers are considered permissible; aerial and ground audible devices are not.
The ban on fireworks will remain in force through the end of July. Anyone caught with illegal fireworks will be issued a warning and be given a court appearance. Penalties include a $1000 fine or a sentence up to one year in jail. If the illegal use of fireworks causes a fire, the person responsible may be liable for any damages.
How to Tell What Kind of Fireworks You Have
If you purchase your fireworks within city limits, look at the label on each device. If the label reads "CAUTION" it is legal; if it reads "WARNING," it is illegal. Fireworks are required to be labeled by law.
Fireworks Safety
The Fire Marshal has advice for purchase and use of fireworks:
Purchase only legal fireworks and buy from someone trustworthy.
Always keep a bucket of water nearby, or be by a water source.
Adults should always supervise fireworks displays.
Use caution. Set up the fireworks outdoors in a clear area that is far from trees, vegetation, dry areas, and materials that are combustible.
Never set off fireworks on or near your car.
Always read the directions that come with fireworks.
Light fireworks one at a time.
Put used fireworks in a bucket of water.
In case of a fire, leave the area immediately and call 911.
NEVER make your own fireworks. Don't take the powder from several fireworks to make a bigger device. It's dangerous.
Reasons for Precautions
What kinds of injuries occur due to fireworks? Fireworks can cause blindness, third degree burns, and permanent scars.
The eyes, hands, head, face and ear are the most likely areas to be injured.
Fires can be started with fireworks, leading to loss of life, home, and wildlife.
Be safe if setting off fireworks displays. The safest way to see them is to visit a professionally run fireworks event. See if there's one near you.
Have a happy, fun and safe Fourth of July!
