Fourth of July Fireworks can Lead to Jail Time

Heading into the Independence Day holiday, active restrictions and legal frameworks are in place across the communities and counties that span the New Mexico East Mountains region (including Edgewood, Moriarty, Tijeras, Cedar Crest and Sandia Park).

• Statewide Forestry Restrictions: The New Mexico State Forester has enacted statewide fire restrictions for non-federal, non-tribal, and non-municipal lands. This order strictly prohibits the use of all fireworks, campfires, and open agricultural or debris burning until rescinded.
• Town of Edgewood: The Edgewood Town Commission enacted a drought-based fireworks ban. Under this restriction, aerial fireworks—including missile-type rockets, stick-type rockets, helicopters, and aerial spinners—are completely prohibited. Violations carry local citation fines ranging from $75 to $500.
• Santa Fe County (including portions of the East Mountains): Effective June 9, Santa Fe County enacted an emergency 30-day drought proclamation banning the sale and use of missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets, and ground audible devices in unincorporated areas. Furthermore, the use of all fireworks is strictly banned within wildlands, and display fireworks are banned in unincorporated portions of the county. Violating these rules is a misdemeanor carrying fines up to $1,000 and potential jail time.
• Bernalillo County (including Tijeras & Sandia Park): Bernalillo County strictly prohibits the sale and use of aerial devices (such as roman candles, rocket types, reloadable shells) and ground audible devices (firecrackers and chasers) within its unincorporated areas. Only ground and hand-held sparkling devices (like fountains or sparklers) purchased inside the county are permissible, and they must be used away from dry brush or wildland areas.

Because conditions are dry and local rules vary heavily by exact property lines and county boundaries, residents are urged to stick to professional public displays rather than personal consumer use.