Breakdown Of Fireworks Restrictions, Bans

There is quite a bit of confusion as to where and when fireworks can be used in the borderland this Fourth of July holiday.

“Every TV station and radio is saying something different. Every newspaper is saying something different,” said fireworks vendor Debbie Kinch.

Fireworks can be legally sold at Kinch’s Chaparral stand as well as in Socorro. However, the list of places they can be taken and even popped is confusing.

Here’s a breakdown of the fireworks bans and restrictions:

El Paso and Hudspeth County Fireworks are completely banned in both counties. Selling, using, or bringing fireworks into these areas could result in a $500 fine as well as being charged with a misdemeanor.

Sparklers and poppers, which are not classified as fireworks, are still prohibited under the current burn ban.

Otero County The use and sale of aerial fireworks, including aerial shell kits, reloadable tubes, aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile type rockets, multiple tube devices, roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, and ground audible devices are prohibited.

Any permissible fireworks may only be used in paved or barren areas with a nearby water source.

No fireworks are permitted in wildland areas.

There are four designated areas that fireworks can be popped: Alamo West Fire Department/Otero County Firefighter Training Facility located at 20837 US Hwy 70 West, Dungan Fire Department located at 32 Crestwood Lane, Farsouth Fire Department locate at 823 Luna Drive, and the barren land located off Angelia and US Hwy 54 South.

Dona Ana County The use of all fireworks has been banned within areas that are covered entirely, or in part by timber, brush, or native grass.

According to Dona Ana County Sheriff Todd Garrison, those who are caught lighting fireworks on public land, including parks or roadsides, could face a $300 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

Permitted fireworks include ground and hand-held sparking and smoking devices, cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, illuminating torches, toy smoke devices and wheels, can only be discharged in areas that are paved, barren and have a water source nearby.

All aerial and ground audible devices such as aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers are prohibited for sale, use, or possession in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Silver City officials even canceled public firework displays.

“We don’t want to go out and risk starting a fire with a public display when we may not have the resources to respond to it,” said Silver City Mayor James Marshall.

Even though some areas are allowing fireworks, city officials are still asking residents not to pop them.

The restrictions have caused sluggish fireworks sales during what should have been the height of fireworks sales.

“It’s made business slow but once they find out they’re not gonna find them anywhere they come back,” said Kinch.

ABC-7 spoke with a few El Paso residents who were buying fireworks in Chaparral. One resident that preferred to remain anonymous said he plans to bring his purchases back to the city despite the warnings.

The fireworks ban in El Paso extends until Tuesday at 7 a.m., but El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar will be issuing a second Declaration of Local Disaster on Tuesday and requesting Gov.Rick Perry extend the county?s ban of firework usage past July 5.