Between June 20, and July 6, 2015 fireworks will be sold by approved vendors in the City of Gallup. To legally discharge fireworks in the City a “Discharge Permit” is required. The fire department is urging the public to use extreme caution when using permissible fireworks and follow some simple safety rules.

Permissible fireworks are those that have been approved and meet requirements of the City’s Firework Ordinance. Approved locations in the City will have a Fire Department permit displayed.

Fireworks are not toys and children should not play with them. Fireworks can cause injury to people and pets and damage to property. All fireworks can be dangerous if not used properly.
The user still must exercise extreme caution when using permissible fireworks. Here are some safety tips:

• Fireworks should be used on a flat, firm surface such as the ground or a driveway. Stay away from bushes, grass and trees, or anything else that might catch fire. Stay away from vehicles.
• Have a bucket of water and garden hose available for use in case of fire.
• There should be a responsible adult present when fireworks are being used.
• 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. You should not try to relight it.
• If a fire does start because of fireworks, don’t panic. Use the garden hose or bucket of water to put the fire out or prevent it from getting larger. Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.
• Fireworks should never be used in a building.

Here are some safety precautions that homeowners can take to protect their property:

• Clean your yard of any unnecessary weeds or plant growth. Cut grass and keep watered. Green plants are less likely to burn.
• Clean any accumulated combustible material, and other dead growth and dispose of properly.
• Keep a garden hose connected and ready to use in case a fire starts in your yard, even if you are not using fireworks. If you do not have a garden hose to use, a bucket of water on stand-by is a good back up.
• Keep pets inside in the evening, especially on the Fourth of July.
• Keep vehicles that are parked at home locked up and all windows shut. Park in a garage or under a canopy if available.
• Check your property several times during the evening if fireworks are being used in your area. Many times a fire can be detected while it is small and prevented from getting larger.

The City of Gallup urges its residents to purchase a “Discharge Permit” for a fee of $15.00 dollars from the City Clerk’s Office located at 110 W. Aztec Ave. A citation of $250.00 may be imposed for person(s) caught discharging in the City without the required “Discharge Permit.”
More information contact the Gallup Fire Department Prevention Division at (505) 726-5448.