Fourth of July firework events, safety

(KRQE) - Tips on how to stay safe during the Fourth of July holiday and a list of firework displays.

Public Firework Displays

AFD is encouraging the Metro Area Residents to attend Albuquerque public firework displays instead of purchasing fireworks.

The Freedom Fourth

• When: July 4th 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Where: Balloon Fiesta Park
• Description: Join us July Fourth to celebrate American independence.

Isotopes Park Firework Display

• When: July 4th, 4:00 PM
• Where: Isotopes Park
• Description: The Isotopes return home on Wednesday, July 4 for a five-game homestand against the Round Rock Express,and features a pair of fireworks shows, two live entertainment acts and a baseball clinic!

Casino Hollywood Fireworks Display

• When: July 3rd
• Where: San Felipe Casino Hollywood
• Description: San Felipe Casino Hollywood features a free fireworks display on July 3.

Los Lunas Fireworks

• When: July 4th, 4 PM
• Where: Daniel Fernandez Park
• Description: Free entertainment, food will be sold at the event, or you can bring your own picnic. Fireworks start at dusk.

Socorro Fireworks, Concert and Celebration

• When: July 4th, 11 AM - 7 PM
• Where: At the Macey Center on the New Mexico Tech campus
• Description: The outdoor festival features music, water slides, jumpers, family activities and New Mexico Tech's famous fireworks display.

4th of July in Cloudcroft

• When: July 4th, 2 PM
• Where: Parade starts at Highway 82/Burro Ave, Zenith Park
• Description: Free entertainment, parade and fireworks show.

Rio Rancho Fireworks Extravaganza

• When: July 4th
• Where: Rio Rancho High School football stadium
• Description: Fireworks display, outdoor movie and more.

Northern NM Fourth of July Events

• When: July 4th
• Where: Throughout northern New Mexico
• Description: Northern New Mexico has plenty going on: festivals, rodeos, barn dances, concerts, film screenings, children's programs - something for each member of the family.

Fireworks Safety & Ordinances

The City of Albuquerque Ordinance prohibits the sale and use of all Aerial Fireworks and Ground Audible Devices within the city limits.

• Fireworks should not be used on "Red Flag Warning" days, as these days indicate extreme risk for fires. To keep current, go to www.weather.govLeaving www.cabq.gov, click for disclaimer
• Always buy fireworks from a local vendor to ensure what you purchase is safe and legal for use within the city limits.
• Fireworks should only be used on paved or barren areas-away from homes, vegetation and combustible materials.
• Have a water source available to put out any unintended fires such as a charged garden hose or two 5 gallon buckets.

“No fireworks of any kind are allowed to be discharged in or around the Bosque or Open Space areas.” Albuquerque Fire Chief James Breen said. “Firefighters need the public to assist them in keeping Albuquerque safe from unintended structure and wild land fires by using fireworks in a safe and appropriate manner this holiday season and year round.” Breen said.

Prohibited Items

The City of Albuquerque Ordinance prohibits the sale and use of all Aerial Fireworks and Ground Audible Devices within the city limits.

• Aerial Devices
• Aerial Spinners
• Helicopters
• Mines
• Missile-type Rockets
• Roman Candles
• Shells
• Stick Type Rockets
• Ground Audible Devices
• Chasers (bottle rockets)
• Firecrackers

Once ignited, aerial and ground audible devices take an unpredictable flight path and pose a significant fire hazard to structures and vegetation. They also possess a significant injury potential to the user and innocent bystanders. These devices are also disturbing to public peace.
Permissible Fireworks

Permissible Fireworks which are allowed to be sold and discharged within the City.

• Ground and hand held sparkling devices
• Cone Fountains
• Crackling Devices
• Cylindrical Fountains
• Flitter Sparklers
• Ground Spinners
• Illuminating Torches
• Wheels

Illegal Fireworks

Using illegal fireworks is punishable with a citation and immediate confiscation of the illegal fireworks and places the community at risk for fires.

• It is a misdemeanor
• A mandatory court appearance
• A fine up to $500.00 and 90 days in jail
• The improper use of permissible fireworks and/or the illegal use of aerial or ground audible devices can result in the user or supervising adult being found grossly negligent and financially responsible for damages.

Report Illegal Fireworks

• There is a fireworks hotline for people to report illegal fireworks being set off. That number is 505- 833- 7390.

The Safe Use of Fireworks

Fireworks should not be used on "Red Flag Warning" days, as these days indicate extreme risk for fires.

• Always buy fireworks from a local vendor to ensure what you purchase is safe and legal for use within the city limits.
• Fireworks should only be used on paved or barren areas - Away from homes, vegetation and combustible materials.
• Have a water source - Available to put out any unintended fires such as a charged garden hose or two 5 gallon buckets.
• Supervision - Always have an adult present and never allow children to use fireworks to avoid injuries and improper use.
• Follow directions - Always read and follow directions carefully.
• Disposal - Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water. Make sure they are completely cool to the touch before throwing them in the garbage can.
• Emergencies - If there is a fire, leave the area immediately and call 911.

Do not attempt to make your own fireworks. Homemade fireworks can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions and result in severe injuries.
Fireworks Risks

If you do not handle fireworks properly, you risk serious injuries and damages.

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Info from: CABQ.gov

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Correction: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect number for the fireworks hotline. The correct number is above.