Aerial Fireworks Banned In Dona Ana County

LAS CRUCES- Dona Ana County Commissioners voted on Wednesday to banthe use of allaerial fireworks.

Under the new ordinance, fireworks like bottle-rockets, roman candles and anything shot into the sky will be illegal to bring back into the county.

The main problems with fireworks in New Mexico are the noise, fire danger and trash left behindin the desert, Fire Marshal Paul Chavez said.

Off limits: Aerial fireworks

Firework vendors said the ordinance will hurt their business, and many asked for a set of leaner regulations. “I’m asking if the county can come back and adopt a hybrid and work with the industryto come up with real solutions,” said Kenny Nevarez, a vendor.

Those who wanted the restrictions said the use of fireworks has just gotten out of hand. “The new initiative will create more safety for the public by restricting and having no aerial fireworks,” said Bill Corbit, with the Dona Ana County fireworks committee.

Commissioners said they’re also interested in working with El Paso to keep people from heading across county lines to shoot off fireworks.