Illegal fireworks and July 4 holiday: Don’t do it
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 2:05pm
With fire danger worsening around Western Nevada and the upcoming July 4 holiday period, law enforcement and fire agencies are warning people not to ignite fireworks. Not only are they potentially dangerous and could touch off wildfires, but they’re also illegal.
Private use of fireworks is illegal in Carson City and the sheriff’s department enforces the law to the fullest extent, said Sheriff Ken Furlong. Lighting fireworks is a misdemeanor offense.
“With the extreme fire danger we will be responding to many calls. But more importantly fireworks left in wrong hands can have devastating consequences,” said Furlong. “For those who want to watch fireworks, you can enjoy them Tuesday night at Mills Park.”
Fireworks are also illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin and much of the surrounding area.
The same holds true for neighboring Douglas and Lyon counties. Possession and or discharge of fireworks in both counties are unlawful and will not be tolerated.
Persons found in violation of the fireworks ordinance in Douglas County face criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000 and/or confinement in the county jail for a period of up to six months.
At Lake Tahoe, there will be a fireworks display Monday July 3 from Kings Beach on the north shore, Tuesday night from Tahoe City and on the south shore the annual Lights on the Lake fireworks celebration. Fireworks display times are after 9 p.m.
“Please, do not risk life or property by the personal use or display of fireworks,” said Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini. “There are many community firework displays planned in our area in which you can take part, without risk of criminal or civil penalties.”
In Lyon County it is a misdemeanor crime in the City of Fernley, City of Yerington and throughout unincorporated Lyon County to “sell, offer for sale, discharge or set off any rocket, squib, firecracker or other fireworks” without a permit. While noting there has been debate over sparklers, Lyon County will not seize them, said LCSO Sheriff Al McNeil.
However, "the use of any flammable device that causes a wildland fire or house fire could be charged as arson,” said McNeil.
Lyon County Manager Jeff Page notes if a fire is caused by fireworks in Lyon County, residents can be held responsible for the costs of fighting fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, most recent estimates from 2015 show fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.
These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2015 Fireworks Annual Report, in 2015, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 51 percent of those injuries were to the extremities and 41 percent were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter, 26 percent, of the estimated 2015 injuries.
Finally, on the Fourth of July, many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds. Animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the July 4 holiday. Pets who are usually kept outdoors should be brought inside, the Humane Society of the United States advises.
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