How to tell if your fireworks are legal and other Fourth of July tips

One word can determine if a firework is illegal or legal in the city of Albuquerque.

City officials Monday spoke about how to tell the difference and offered other tips to stay safe this Fourth of July.

How to know if your fireworks are legal: If you’re concerned that the fireworks you’re buying are illegal, check for labels. If they bear the word “warning,” said Albuquerque Fire Marshal Jason Garcia, they’re illegal.

If they say “caution,” they’re legal. The only exception is large firework bundles, Garcia said, which may say “warning” instead; however, each individual firework in the box should still say “caution.”

Fireworks bought outside city limits are often illegal, he said.

How to report: City officials urged people to report suspected use of illegal fireworks. But they wanted to ensure that emergency lines – 911 and 242-COPS – aren’t clogged with reports.

There are two ways to report: 311 or online at cabq.gov/fireworks. An exact location is preferred, although the nearest cross streets can be used if no address is available. The line will be operating Wednesday from 6 a.m. to midnight, Thursday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Friday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight.

A violation could result in a fine up to $500 or 90 days in jail.

Garcia said it’s difficult to issue citations for illegal fireworks use, as AFR would have to observe the fireworks being set off. But last year, the department issued 123 cease-and-desist letters.

Last weekend, Garcia said AFR did a walkthrough of firework stands and didn’t find any illegal fireworks.

Fire safety tips: Garcia had some fire safety tips for people who buy their own fireworks – even the seemingly-innocuous sparkler.

• Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby.
• Make sure fireworks are extinguished fully before disposing. Garcia said AFR frequently responds to trash fires – fully submerging the pyrotechnics is recommended.
• Watch kids with fireworks or sparklers.

Despite the wet weekend, Garcia said, the Bosque Foothills are under Stage I fire restrictions, which prohibits setting off fireworks and smoking outdoors in the area.

How to enjoy Freedom Fourth: The city is hosting a 20-minute firework show on July 4 at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Although the show starts around 9:15, p.m. weather permitting, the park is open from 3-10 p.m. and will feature food trucks and live music. Entry is free.

The fireworks cost approximately $80,000, said Department of Arts & Culture Director Shelle Sanchez, up from pre-pandemic spending.

Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon had some tips. He recommended that visitors bike to the park, using the popular bike valet service, or use the park and ride service. But a new, approximately 750-spot lot is now available for those who prefer to drive.

He also listed what people should — and should not — bring to the celebration.

Do bring

• Outside food
• Shade structures smaller than
• 10 feet by 10 feet
• Blankets

Don’t bring

• Glass containers
• Alcohol