Courtesy/LAFD
Courtesy LAFD
LAFD NEWS RELEASE
As July 4th approaches, thoughts turn to outdoor events and of course fireworks. Make sure your Independence Day activities do not turn tragic by following some simple rules and guidelines. The Los Alamos Fire Department’s (LAFD) Fire Marshal wants to share a list of prohibited and permissible fireworks which is in accordance with New Mexico State Statue, which is the Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act 60-2C7 which describes permissible and non-permissible fireworks.
Remember “legal” does not mean that fireworks are safe; remember these are explosives and should be used responsibly! Before shooting fireworks, have plenty of space. Avoid areas of dry vegetation or other combustible materials and have a water hose or bucket available in case of a small fire. Keep small children and pets out of the immediate area and watch out for traffic. When you are done, dispose of waste material in a safe manner and not in the regular trash.
The most frequent fireworks complaints are people who don’t clean up afterwards and people discharging onto property other than their own. Be courteous of neighbors that may not share the same enthusiasm about celebrating the holiday also, please be mindful that other County Ordinances such as the noise or nuisance complaints can be filed.
See safety tips below and follow the State guidelines for what is allowed.
| Fireworks Allowed: | Consumer Fireworks with a classification of 1.4G. |
| Fireworks Allowed: | Cone fountains Crackling devices Cylindrical fountains Ground and handheld sparkling devices Ground spinners Flitter Sparklers Illuminating torches/static (non-flame shooting type) Toy smoke devices Wheels |
| Fireworks NOT Allowed: | Aerial shell kit-reloadable tubes Aerial spinners Helicopters Mines Missile-type rockets Multiple tube devices Roman candles type (able to shoot balls of flame 50-60+ feet in the air) Shells Stick-type rockets Chasers |
| Where are the restrictions on where you can shoot fireworks? | Cannot use fireworks on or near state forest land, wildlands. Cannot shoot fireworks from a motor vehicle or throw into a vehicle or near a person or groups of people. Cannot be propelled onto property not owned by the fireworks shooter. Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a fireworks retail sales location |
LAFD strongly encourages residents to have a safe and Happy 4th of July Holiday. The best way to enjoy the holiday is to attend the professional display at the Los Alamos 2023 Fourth of July Spectacular taking place at Overlook Park in White Rock.
For questions about fireworks, contact the Los Alamos County Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office, Los Alamos County Fire Department at (505) 662-8301. To report the inappropriate use, or illegal fireworks, contact the Los Alamos County Police Department at (505) 662-8222.