Customers Stock Up On Fireworks Despite Ban

Despite a countywide ban on the use of fireworks in El Paso, customers are still buying them in the city of Socorro. ABC-7 has reported on how Socorro is the only city allowing the sale of fireworks. Now we’re hearing from customers as to why they’re buying a product they know they’re not allowed to use this holiday weekend.

“We know (the use of fireworks) is illegal, but they sell them so we buy them,” said Jerry de Luna, a young teen who was comparing prices at different stands. ABC-7 asked what de Luna planned to do with the fireworks in light of the ban. “Pop them behind my house,” he said.

De Luna said he and other friends would probably purchase more fireworks as Independence Day got closer. He said they want to pop them near their homes regardless of the ban, which was put in place by county officials because of the dangerously dry conditions that worsen the risk of wildfires.

Not everyone we spoke with was planning on popping their purchases immediately. ABC-7 spoke with one man who was buying fireworks for his step-daughter. He said he wasn’t aware of the ban that prohibited using fireworks or transporting them outside the city of Socorro. He said they will have to change their plans and use the fireworks at a later date.

El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles has said his deputies will keep a close eye on the stands to make sure no one takes fireworks beyond Socorro city limits.

Popping fireworks is still banned across the entire county, including in Socorro. Anyone caught breaking the law could face a fine of up to $500.