Fire Department Reminds Residents About Fireworks & Burn Ban

With the 4th of July holiday approaching, the Sandoval County Fire Department is reminding all residents that a ban on the use of fireworks and a ban on open burning in unincorporated areas of the county remains in place.

“We have taken the steps to issue both a ban on open burning and a ban on fireworks use in the unincorporated areas of the county because of the persistent high temperatures and dry conditions that already have contributed to a busy fire season,” said Sandoval County Fire Chief James Maxon.

The county’s ban on burning in unincorporated areas prohibits all open flame sources such as campfires and agricultural burns. Burning in established fire rings and pits also is prohibited until further notice. Liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, and charcoal grills at private residences are all allowed under the ban. The fireworks ban prohibits the use of missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets and ground audible devices. In addition, the fireworks ban also limits the use of ground and hand-held sparkling and smoke device type fireworks to areas that are paved, barren or have a readily accessible source of water nearby. Again, both the open burning ban and fireworks ban are for unincorporated areas of Sandoval County.

Chief Maxon is asking residents to adhere to the both the burn ban and fireworks ban for the safety of our county.

“The Sandoval County Fire Department urges residents in the unincorporated areas of the county to adhere to the fireworks ban,” Chief Maxon said. “There are numerous public events that have specific safety measures in place to prevent fireworks related fires. I encourage folks to head out to a public event to enjoy fireworks in a safe environment so we can protect the beautiful lands of Sandoval County from fire.”

For a list of some of the public fireworks and light shows in the County, click here.