Use ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks, Southern Nevada fire officials say

Fire officials across the Las Vegas Valley are urging residents to use “Safe and Sane” fireworks and exercise added caution to minimize fires and medical emergencies this Fourth of July season.

The days and weeks leading up to Independence Day are typically among the busiest for calls for service, North Las Vegas Fire Department Deputy Chief Benjamin Erickson said.

With this Fourth of July marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, Erickson said officials anticipate big celebrations in neighborhoods across the valley, along with potential injuries and fires caused by fireworks mishaps and other accidents.

“We’re all excited for the 250th anniversary of our country,” Erickson said during a fireworks safety press conference Thursday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event included officials from the Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas fire departments, as well as the fireworks supply company TNT Fireworks.

“But we want everyone to be safe out there,” Erickson said. “We need to be good team members and that we’re not using any of the illegal fireworks that are out there.”

Only fireworks that are labeled “Safe and Sane,” sold by licensed and inspected fireworks stands, are permitted in Clark County, according to the county’s website. Rick Rozier, deputy fire marshal for the Las Vegas Fire Department, said fireworks are available for purchase from June 28 through July 4.

Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles and skyrockets, as well as any item made of “highly combustible materials,” according to the Clark County website. Legal fireworks include sparklers and fireworks that keep to a small, circular area on the ground and don’t explode in the air.

The county’s webpage on fireworks said many fireworks purchased outside county boundaries are likely illegal.

“Fireworks purchased from vendors located outside Clark County are likely to be illegal, including those purchased from vendors in Pahrump, Amargosa Valley and from the Moapa Band of Paiutes,” the county said.

Offenders can be fined anywhere from $500 to $10,000, according to the county. Las Vegas Fire Department Fire Inspector Scott Thompson said violators can also be subject to waste disposal fees.

Officials encouraged residents to read instructions, keep water nearby, never light fireworks while impaired and ensure children are supervised. Fireworks should always be used on level ground, Thompson said.

“Be aware of your surroundings,” said Thompson, who is also the president of the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada’s fireworks committee. “Don’t alter fireworks. It might sound simple, but most of our injuries are from people who decided they wanted to make something bigger and better … they’re still explosives, so treat them like it.”

In the 12 hours after using fireworks, make sure to place discarded fireworks in trash bins at least eight feet from walls or fences and never keep smoldering or used fireworks in a garage, Erickson said. Rozier added that fireworks should be watered immediately after use and soaked for at least an hour so they don’t rekindle.

Residents are urged to report illegal fireworks activity by contacting 311 or by making an online complaint at www.ISpyFireworks.com.