Fireworks that have been approved by the City of Gallup Fire Department will be on sale from approved vendors beginning June 20th and will continue through July 6th. The City of Gallup Fire Department reminds everyone to exercise extreme caution when lighting fireworks and to follow these safety rules.
Permissible fireworks are those that have been approved and meet the safety standards of our city’s firework ordinance. Approved vendors within the city will have a Fire Department Permit displayed on their premises.
A discharge permit will be required to legally light fireworks within the city limits. A discharge permit may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office located at 110 W. Aztec Avenue for a nominal fee of $15.00 individual and $25.00 commercial. Telephone 505 863-1255 Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Any individual caught lighting fireworks within the city limits without a discharge permit may be issued a citation in the amount of $250.00. A discharge permit is not required for novelty item fireworks. Novelty item fireworks includes sparklers, snakes, smoke bombs and party poppers. Although these fireworks are considered a novelty firework, please remember that they have the potential to cause a burn or fire, they are not toys and should be handled with a responsible adult present.
Fireworks can cause injury to people and pets and damage to property. Any type of firework may be dangerous if not handled and monitored properly and a spark is capable of rapidly becoming and out of control large fire.
Fire Safety
• Fireworks should only be lit from a flat, firm surface that is as level as possible such as the ground or a driveway. Stay away from bushes, grass and trees, or anything else that may ignite.
• Keep fireworks away from vehicles.
• Have a bucket of water and a garden hose available for use in case of fire.
• There should be a responsible adult present when fireworks are being lit.
• After the firework has been used, it should be picked up with a shovel, dropped into a bucket of water and left to soak for several hours before being discarded in the trash.
• “Duds” or fireworks that did not go off after being lit should be picked up with a shovel and dropped into a bucket of water.
• Do not attempt to relight a “dud”.
• If a fire does start because of fireworks, don’t panic. Use a garden hose or a bucket of water to put the fire out and prevent it from growing larger.
• Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
• Fireworks should never be used inside of a building.
Property Precautions
• Cut and discard weeds especially the dry weeds and vegetation. Cut grass and water it regularly as necessary; green plants are less likely to burn.
• Discard all accumulated combustible materials.
• Keep a garden hose connected and ready to use in case a fire starts in your yard, even if you are not lighting fireworks. If you do not have a garden hose, a bucket of water on stand-by is a good back up.
• If possible, keep pets inside in the evening, especially on the Fourth of July.
• Keep vehicles that are not in use locked with all windows closed. Park vehicles in a garage or under a carport if one is available.
• Check your property periodically when fireworks are being lit in your area. Often times a fire can be detected when it is small to prevent it from growing larger.
More information contact the Gallup Fire Department Prevention Division at (505) 722-4195.