Las Cruces City Council approves partial fireworks ban due to drought

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- With the entire Borderland affected by a worsening drought, the city of Las Cruces on Monday adopted a 30-day ban on most fireworks.

According to the measure on the City Council's agenda, Las Cruces is suffering from "extreme drought," with a zero percent chance of ending drought conditions by the 4th of July.

Las Cruces Fire Chief Jason Smith told ABC-7 that the partial ban "restricts the use of permissible fireworks to areas of barren or paved land."

"There is a large concern that fireworks used during the July 4th holiday may increase the fire risk to businesses, homes, and residents," the agenda item said.

Councilors unanimously approved the partial ban.