Local Agencies Urge Safe, Responsible Fireworks Use During Independence Day Weekend

LAS CRUCES — With Independence Day celebrations underway, public safety agencies across southern New Mexico are reminding residents to use fireworks responsibly and take extra precautions to prevent fires, injuries and unnecessary emergency calls.

Sparklers burn at approximately 800 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause severe burns in seconds. Sunland Park Fire Department demonstrated the danger using hot dogs and raw chicken. Images courtesy of the Sunland Park Fire Department.

Fire officials encourage residents to use only fireworks that are legal for sale in Doña Ana County, including cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches and wheels. Aerial fireworks, Roman candles, missile-type rockets, helicopters and mines are prohibited.

Because of dry summer conditions, anyone using fireworks should have a garden hose, bucket of water or other reliable water source nearby, use fireworks only on paved or bare ground away from dry vegetation, homes and vehicles, and thoroughly soak used fireworks before disposing of them.

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Officials also remind parents that fireworks are not toys. Children should never handle fireworks without close adult supervision, and only one firework should be lit at a time. After lighting a firework, spectators should move a safe distance away.

The Las Cruces Fire Department also encourages residents to be considerate of their neighbors by limiting fireworks to appropriate hours and keeping pets indoors, where loud noises can cause significant stress and anxiety.

Those planning to celebrate on public lands should remember that fireworks are prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management lands, including Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, Dripping Springs Natural Area, Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Lake Valley Historic Townsite and Prehistoric Trackways National Monument. Officials note that even possessing fireworks on BLM-managed lands may result in a citation.

The Sunland Park Police Department is also reminding residents that 911 should be used only for emergencies during the holiday weekend. Non-emergency incidents should be reported through the appropriate dispatch line.

For those looking to avoid the risks associated with consumer fireworks, local agencies encourage attending professional fireworks displays, including the City of Las Cruces’ Fourth of July celebration at Pat & Lou Sisbarro Community Park.