Burqueños can expect ramped-up patrols and enforcement over the Fourth of July holiday to curb illegal fireworks and prevent fires in high-risk areas like the Bosque and foothills.
With recent arson activity and a rise in illegal fireworks, Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Albuquerque Police Department are stepping up efforts to keep neighborhoods safe from fire danger. From July 3 to 5, patrols will target open spaces where fireworks are banned and residents are urged to report violations. City officials say only ground-based “CAUTION”-labeled fireworks sold locally are legal, and anyone caught using banned devices could face fines or citations.
“It’s really important for everyone to understand that all fireworks within the Albuquerque area that you see in the tents are regulated by our fire inspectors, and they’re permitted for use,” Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo said. “However, fireworks of all kinds are prohibited around the Bosque or Open Space areas and the City of Albuquerque ordinance prohibits the sale of aerial fireworks and ground audible devices within the city limits.”
Between June 17 and 22, four brush fires broke out within Albuquerque city limits, with additional major fires reported in Valencia County. In Los Lunas, the Cotton One and Cotton Two fires destroyed nearly a dozen homes and forced more than 1,300 residents to evacuate.
According to the Valencia County News Bulletin, Thirteen firefighters were injured while battling the fires —12 suffered heat-related issues and one was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Officials believe all the fires were intentionally set.
“We are seeing a troubling sequence of human-caused fires in the Bosque,” Keller said. “It’s extremely flammable, and these are things that can be very difficult to control for us if they get out of hand. That’s why we try and control them right away — and why we try and prevent them.”
What to expect
In the wake of the fires and extreme drought conditions, AFR’s Fireworks Education Units will patrol the Bosque, foothills and other open space areas July 3–5 from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Units will patrol for illegal fireworks and other suspicious activity, with four APD teams assisting the Fire Marshal’s Office and ready to respond alongside enforcement crews as needed.
Jaramillo said the city bans the sale and use of aerial fireworks and ground audible devices. While AFR regulates what’s sold in Albuquerque, Jaramillo noted they can’t control what people buy elsewhere in the state.
“We can’t control what people buy elsewhere,” she said, “but we can respond when they use them here. Report what you see so we can take action.”
AFD and APD will watch for illegal fireworks banned within city limits, including aerial devices and loud ground fireworks.
According to city guidelines, fireworks labeled “WARNING” are illegal, while those marked “CAUTION” are legal.
Illegal fireworks include:
Aerial Devices
- Aerial Spinners
- Helicopters
- Mines
- Missile-type Rockets
- Roman Candles
- Shells
- Stick Type Rockets
Ground Audible Devices
- Chasers (bottle rockets)
- Firecrackers
According to the city website, once ignited, aerial and ground audible fireworks fly unpredictably and pose serious fire risks to buildings and vegetation. They can cause injuries to users and bystanders and disrupt public peace.
As a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited in all open spaces.
On the other hand, legal fireworks, like those found in retail stores and fireworks tents or stands throughout the city, can be used, just not in open spaces.
The following fireworks are considered safe and legal to use within city limits:
- Ground and handheld sparkling devices
- Cone Fountains
- Crackling Devices
- Cylindrical Fountains
- Flitter Sparklers
- Ground Spinners
- Illuminating Torches
- Wheels
If residents break the rules, they can expect real consequences.
Anyone caught using illegal fireworks will get a Cease and Desist Order sent to the property’s owner or resident. The notice means someone from the fire or police department saw the fireworks being used illegally.
“We do start issuing [Cease and Desist Orders] as soon as we start having those come in,” Jaramillo said.
A second violation at the same address can lead to legal action.
Breaking the city’s fireworks rules is a misdemeanor and means a mandatory trip to court. If convicted, you could face up to a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.
Improper use of legal fireworks — or setting off banned ones — can also lead to the user or supervising adult being held financially responsible for any damage.
How to report illegal fireworks
When reporting illegal fireworks, include the exact address where they’re being set off, not your address.
Use:
- Online report form
- ABQ311 app
- Call 311
Outside city limits?
- Bernalillo County: (505) 798-7000
- Rio Rancho: (505) 891-7226
“Please make sure you’re reporting,” Jaramillo said. “Whether it be suspicious activity in the Bosque or any illegal firework activity, so that we can help address that.”
Firework safety
According to the city, fireworks pose serious risks every year.
In 2023, they caused eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries nationwide. They can cause blindness, third-degree burns and permanent scars.
During the July 3 and 4 weekend last year, AFR responded to 140 outdoor fires and four structure fires. Sparklers alone accounted for more than half of the injuries among children under 5.
To enjoy fireworks safely this Fourth of July, the city recommends Burqueños follow these simple tips:
- Avoid using fireworks on Red Flag Warning days, which signal high fire danger. Check conditions at weather.gov.
- Buy local. Fireworks sold by licensed vendors in Albuquerque are legal for use within city limits.
- Use fireworks only on paved or barren surfaces, away from homes, dry vegetation and anything flammable.
- Never use fireworks in the Bosque, open space areas or city parks.
- Keep water nearby, like a charged hose or two 5-gallon buckets, in case of fire.
- Always have an adult present. Don’t let children handle or light fireworks.
- Follow all instructions on fireworks packaging.
- Soak used fireworks in water until they’re cool before tossing them in the trash.
- In an emergency, call 911 and leave the area immediately.
The city’s Animal Welfare department is also encouraging pet owners to take simple steps to keep animals safe and calm this Independence Day.
“Knowing how to prepare your pet and keep them calm during the fireworks can make a big difference in ensuring their comfort during Fourth of July festivities,” Keller said in a press release. “Celebrate responsibly so it’s a fun holiday for everyone.”
Animal Welfare recommends the following tips:
- Leave your pets at home and indoors. The noise of the fireworks for most pets could cause anxiety, fear and a desire to flee.
- Keep pets in a lit, cool, calm closed room with familiar sounds and chew toys that will help to distract and make the animal feel safe.
- Identification tags and microchips are a must in case the pet escapes. This will help reunite pets and owners quickly and effectively. Please make sure information on tags and microchips is updated. FREE microchipping and custom pet tags are available until Thursday, July 3, at the Eastside and Westside shelters. No appointment needed.
- If a pet gets especially stressed, ask your vet for help to soothe them.
“Taking these precautions can help ensure that both you and your pets have a safe and stress-free Fourth of July,” said Animal Welfare Director Carolyn Ortega. “Let’s have a happy holiday for both people and pets.”