City urges use of legal fireworks
Hot weather adding to fire danger
Albuquerque has been experiencing blistering temperatures approaching and over 100 degrees, making the upcoming Fourth of July holiday extra risky.
On Tuesday, Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and Albuquerque Fire Department Chief David Downey laid out some tips for keeping both the city and its residents safe, encouraging families to attend public fireworks shows and to purchase fireworks in Albuquerque if they decide to celebrate at home.
Berry and Downey said that residents can reduce fire risk by selecting appropriate fireworks. Any easy way to do that is to purchase them locally. Vendors within the city are prohibited from selling illegal fireworks and can be subjected to citations for doing so.
Residents can also recognize which fireworks are legal by their labeling. A firework with the word “CAUTION” printed on it can be used within Albuquerque, while one with the words “WARNING” or “FLAMMABLE” cannot.
If individuals find that their neighbors have decided to set off illegal fireworks, they can report it through the Report Illegal Fireworks form, which can be found online at cabq. gov/fireor through the ABQ311 mobile app.
This system, first put into use last year, provides a way to report illegal activity. Downey said that individuals should try to use the form instead of calling 311 or 911 in order to leave those lines open. The form can be used from 8 a.m., July 1, through 1 a.m., July 5. Individuals who wish to report illegal fireworks before that time can call (505) 833-7390.
Public firework events that families can attend on July 4 instead of purchasing fireworks include Freedom 4th at Balloon Fiesta Park and a post-game fireworks show at Isotopes Park.