4th of July: local fireworks displays

The following professional fireworks displays are scheduled in El Paso for tonight:

Cohen Stadium: Diablos take on the Laredo Lemurs. Game starts at 7:05pm; fireworks follow.

Old Glory Memorial – Watch the Diablos’ fireworks under the big American flag at the memorial, 9570 Gateway North. The event starts at 5 p.m. Parking costs $3 per car. Hot dogs, popcorn and other refreshments will be available. 549-5031.

Harvest Christian Center, 1345 New Harvest Place – Family festival starts at 5 p.m. complete with carnival games, food booths, DJ Vow from Dallas and ending with a professional fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tailgating allowed if you want to bring your own grill & food.

Chamizal National Memorial: The El Paso Wind Symphony will give the free annual concert of patriotic music and fireworks at 7 p.m. at the Chamizal, 800 S. San Marcial.

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The El Paso Fire Department is reminding the public that the use and possession of all fireworks are illegal in the city and county.

The Fire Marshal’s Office will be enforcing the fireworks ban and will be conducting surveillance and deterrence operations all day and night. The use and possession of fireworks within the City limits is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,000. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office will also be enforcing the ban of all fireworks in all the unincorporated areas of El Paso County.

Fire officials remind everyone, fireworks not only pose a serious threat when used improperly, but due to dry conditions it becomes a bigger concern for fires. The El Paso Fire Department encourages that you keep your family safe from firework hazards and leave fireworks to the professionals.

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The Las Cruces Fire Department is reminding residents that citations will be issued to anyone caught with illegal fireworks – or using fireworks illegally – within city limits.

Because of this year’s dry conditions the city has enacted fire restrictions that allow fireworks to be used only on barren or paved lands, and with a readily available water source nearby. The restrictions prohibit the use of fireworks in any city park.

The only fireworks allowed to be purchased and discharged in Las Cruces are ground and hand-held sparkling and smoking devices such as: cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, illuminating torches, smoke devices and wheels.

Fireworks prohibited for possession, sale or use in Las Cruces are aerial and ground audible devices such as: aerial spinners, helicopters, mines, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, shells, stick-type rockets, chasers and firecrackers.

Some fireworks purchased outside Las Cruces may be prohibited within the city. With different regulations applicable in the county and nearby cities, it is advised to possess and discharge fireworks only in the jurisdiction where they were purchased.

Additional rules and safety guidelines include:

– Fireworks may not be sold to anyone who is intoxicated or younger than 16.

– Keep in mind the hour of usage and be considerate of your neighbors.

– Be aware that dry weather conditions have left grasses and weeds susceptible to fire.

– Limit use of fireworks to the outdoors and away from combustibles.

– Children should never use fireworks without close adult supervision.

– Light only one pyrotechnic at a time and move a safe distance away while it ignites.

– Purchase fireworks only from a licensed vendor.

– Follow all label directions carefully and use common sense.

– Safely dispose of all spent casings and debris.

For more information on fireworks, and fireworks safety, call the Las Cruces Fire Department at (575) 528-4150.