Socorro prepares firework “safety zones” for the 4th

While a ban on the sale and use of fireworks remains in El Paso county, those who want to light their own fireworks this 4th of July can justdrive to the city ofSocorro.

“We’re ready for them,” said Lieut. Joe Alvarez with the Socorro Police Department.

City officials have set up seven “safety zones” where people can go to light fireworks. They are in Moon Park, Rio Vista Park, Cougar Park, Paradise Park, Mauro Rosas Park, Amistad Park, and the “Chayo” Apodaca Community Center.

The zones have been watered and cleaned up, according to a City of Socorro spokesman.

Traffic Control and Emergency Response Plans are in effect and more than a dozen extra City of Socorro Police Officers and fire guards will be on duty the 4th of July.

“I kind oflike the idea they havesites they willbe keeping an eye on,” said Gilbert Lujan, who lives next to Cougar Park.

However, one of Lujan’s neighbors thinks it sounds dangerous. “It could be a threat to our community,” said Guillermo Estrada.

Estrada fears a stray spark could ignite brushfires in Socorro.

Last year, the sale of fireworks was legal in Socorro but their use was banned. That did not stop several people from lighting fireworks, though, which set off some brush fires.

This year, Socorro officials said they are better organized to handle crowds and enforce rules. They said at least two off-duty firefighters and police officers will be at each of the safe zones.

Socorro residents also have the option of lighting certain kinds of fireworks in their own homes, provided a water source and an adult are nearby.

City of Socorro Planning and Zoning Department has approved 10 fireworks sales permits with another half dozen in the process. More are expected.

Each permit costs $1,000 and requires two inspection approvals.

Approved Fireworks are legal to sell in the City of Socorro, and while some are approved for residential use, others can only be popped in Safety Zones within the City of Socorro, according to the Socorro spokesman.

Aerial fireworks are illegal in all cases.