Precautions could help make Independence Day incident-free

In Clark County, fireworks that fly, spin on the ground or explode are always illegal, but they can be purchased out of the county or on an Indian reservation. Fireworks purchased legally at a reservation that aren’t approved as Safe and Sane need to be used in a specially designated area on the reservation.

Fireworks are not permitted in state parks or other public lands because of the obvious fire hazard.

“Everything is so dry this time of year, so it’s real danger,” said David K. Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks. “Usually, the fire is well under way before we can get to it. We are on alert, and we do prosecute.”

Because of the illegal use of these fireworks, residents should periodically step outside and check for fires on their property, said Kelly Blackmon, deputy fire chief with the Clark County Fire Department. Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible this week, especially on Monday. To report someone who is using illegal fireworks, call 311, unless there is an emergency, such as a fire or an injured person.

“We receive fireworks calls throughout the year, but the majority are in July,” Metropolitan Police Department spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said. “Last year, we received 19,058 calls regarding fireworks.”

It’s a good idea to clear dry weeds and leaves from your property this week and collect any flammable material that may have accumulated there, Blackmon said. Keep your garden hose connected this week, in case an errant firework sets a blaze on your property.

Safe and Sane fireworks can be purchased on seemingly every corner in the valley in the weeks leading up to July 4.

“Anything you can buy at one of those booths has been inspected and is approved,” Blackmon said. “They’ll have things like sparklers and showers — nothing that goes into the air.”

Despite the name, they are safe only to a point and certainly not something unsupervised children should be allowed to play with. Many children still bear brands from sparklers from previous years.

Fireworks should be used on a flat, firm surface on your property, such as a driveway. A bucket of water and a shovel should be kept on hand. It’s illegal to use fireworks on streets and sidewalks, but perhaps longtime residents can attest that it happens, so motorists are advised to use extra caution when driving through neighborhoods this week.

Fireworks may be in the street, and excited children may be more focused on them than the traffic, safety officials said.

Contact Sunrise and Whitney View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 380-4532.