Within the Albuquerque city limits, certain fireworks are illegal and could put people in jail for up to 90 days if prosecuted. Here is a how-to guide on what to do when dealing with illegal fireworks on July 4 and how to keep the family safe during this Independence Day,
All aerial and ground audible fireworks are illegal, according to the city of Albuquerque ordinance, and residents can report an address if illegal fireworks are being used. Violators of this misdemeanor ordinance get sent a cease-and-desist order by mail with a mandatory court appearance that could lead to a $500 fine and 90 days of jail time.
Two weeks ahead of the holiday, Albuquerque Fire Rescue patrol areas of the city as well as open space areas to help ensure safety by preventing the use and sales of illegal fireworks. The 2019 holiday brought 52 calls to AFR for outside fires over the Fourth of July. Fireworks can cause third-degree burns, blindness, permanent scarring and even death, not to mention life-threatening wildfires.
In 2018, there were more than 9,000 injuries related to fireworks in the U.S., and for children under 5, more than half were caused by sparklers. It is also stated that 16,000 fires per year are caused by fireworks.
Here is a quick list of aerial and ground devices that are currently illegal.
- Aerial spinners
- Helicopters
- Mines
- Missile-type rockets
- Roman candles
- Shells
- Stick-type rockets
- Ground audible devices
- Chasers (bottle rockets)
- Firecrackers
- Also, do not attempt to hand-make fireworks as they can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions and could result in severe injuries.
Here is a list of fireworks currently considered safe and legally permitted in Albuquerque.
- Ground and handheld sparkling devices
- Cone fountains
- Crackling devices
- Cylindrical fountains
- Flitter sparklers
- Ground spinners
- Illuminating torches
- Wheels
Safe use firework tips
- Fireworks should not be used on “Red Flag Warning” days, as these days indicate extreme risk for fires.
- Always buy fireworks from a local vendor to ensure what you purchase is safe and legal for use within the city limits.
- Fireworks should only be used on paved or barren areas and away from homes, plants or any combustibles.
- Fireworks of any kind are not allowed to be discharged in the Bosque, open space areas or city parks.
- Have a water source available to put out any unintended fires.
- Always have an adult present and never allow children to use fireworks to avoid injuries or improper use.
- Always read and follow directions carefully.
- Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- If there is a fire, leave the area immediately and call 911.
Pets are also affected by loud noises and can be spooked or even run away. If people find a stray pet, report the animal to Animal Welfare by calling 311. The organization suggests keeping the pet while looking for the owner, posting a photo on Pawboost, and getting the pet scanned for a chip.
To report illegal fireworks, call 311 or click here.
