Prohibited Fireworks Can Lead to $1,000 Fine

There’s nothing like ringing in the new year with some fireworks, but East Mountain area residents need to be aware of the various fireworks ordinances in their immediate area.

For the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, residents in the East Mountain and Estancia Valley areas should be aware that most aerial and “exploding” fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County’s ordinances apply to the unincorporated areas outside of Albuquerque city limits.

• Prohibited Fireworks: The use of all aerial devices (such as missile-type rockets, Roman candles, helicopters, aerial spinners, and shells) and ground audible devices (such as firecrackers and chasers) is strictly prohibited.
• Permissible Fireworks: Ground-based and hand-held sparkling devices are generally allowed. These include cone fountains, crackling devices, cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, and ground spinners.
• Fines: Violations can result in citations, confiscation of fireworks, and fines of up to $1,000 or jail time.
• Restrictions: Fireworks of any kind are banned in the Bosque, open space areas, and city/county parks.

Santa Fe County

Santa Fe County ordinances are similar to Bernalillo’s but can be more restrictive within the city limits of Santa Fe.

• Prohibited Fireworks: Ordinance 2024-078 and subsequent resolutions generally ban aerial spinners, helicopters, missile-type rockets, and ground audible devices in wildland and unincorporated areas.
• Safe and Sane Only: Within the City of Santa Fe, only “safe” fireworks—those that stay under 15 feet in height, have no report (loud bang), and are not self-propelling—are legal.

Torrance County

Torrance County typically follows state law but has active resolutions regarding fire danger.

• Current Restrictions: As of late December 2025, a Fire Danger Emergency remains in effect. This prohibits the use of missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets, and ground audible devices in unincorporated portions of the county.
• Allowed Areas: Permitted ground fireworks must be used on paved or barren areas with a readily accessible water source.
• Wildland Ban: All fireworks are prohibited in areas designated as “wildlands” (timber, brush, or native grass areas).

Town of Edgewood

Because Edgewood spans multiple counties, it maintains its own specific municipal code.

• Municipal Ban: The Town of Edgewood recently enacted a temporary ban on aerial fireworks and ground audible devices due to drought conditions.
• Safe Alternatives: Only low-risk items like sparklers and ground fountains are permitted, provided they are used on non-combustible surfaces with water nearby.

Safety Reminders for New Years:

• Water Source: Always have a charged garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water ready.
• Disposal: Soak spent fireworks in water for several hours before placing them in a metal trash can.
• Pets: Keep pets in a secure, interior room with “brown noise” or music to mask the sound.