Ordinance Prohibits Fireworks In Dona Ana County

By Doug Wernet

DONA ANA COUNTY — The new “Safe and Sane” fireworks ordinance for Dona Ana County took effect last Friday.

Those seeking out pyrotechnic fun for New Year’s have been disappointed to find many vendors aren’t selling them anymore. Apart from sparklers and fountain-type fireworks, the ordinance prohibits all fireworks from being sold in the county.

Even ground firecrackers are illegal under the new measure. County officials said they will be out New Year’s Eve to enforce the law.

Anyone caught with illegal fireworks, whether or not they are using them, will have them confiscated, theycan be fined up to $300 and even spend up to 90 days in jail.

Dona Ana County Spokesman Jess Williams said the main concern is safety. “We’re concerned about safety, particularly in the Chaparral area. We have seen in the past, with the full menu of fireworks, all kinds of fires. We don’t know what we’re going toget this time, but we expect a much safer season,”he said.