Las Vegas crackdown on firework safety and illegal fireworks

As Independence Day approaches, so is the crackdown on illegal fireworks across the Las Vegas Valley.

“Fireworks are unpredictable,” said Captain Jonathan Riddle of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. “That’s why they’re explosions. You can’t account for where each spark goes.”

Between June 20 and 22, Las Vegas Police issued over 56 citations and seized almost 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks, according to the department. The crackdown was part of a Fourth of July campaign called “You light it, we write it,” which aims to educate Southern Nevadans about which fireworks they can and cannot use, as well as the penalties they may face if they’re caught with illegal fireworks. 

In a press conference, Riddle emphasized that there will be extra law enforcement out patrolling on Independence Day, with officers working 12-hour shifts. 

Officials are urging the public to stay safe by only using fireworks that are sold by permitted non-profit groups, are labeled “Safe and Sane,” and are only available from June 28 to July 4. Safe and Sane fireworks include products sold by organizations such as TNT and Phantom Fireworks, as they have been tested and approved for sale.

Las Vegas Police warns that illegal fireworks can lead to fires, injuries, pollution, and severe disruptions to veterans, pets, and neighbors. 

Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, and skyrockets—anything made of highly combustible materials. As well as those purchased from vendors located outside Clark County including in Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, and the Moapa Band of Paiutes.

Violators can risk fines that start at $500 and can reach up to $10,000 for large quantities of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks can be reported online at ispyfireworks.com, police are discouraging residents from calling 311 or 911. 

Safety tips and reminders:

• Fireworks are illegal on the street and sidewalk.
• Have a bucket of water and/or garden hose available for use in case of fire.
• Fireworks should never be used indoors.
• Any type of firework is illegal at 12:01 a.m. July 5, which includes Safe and Sane fireworks.
• Fireworks are not permitted on federal property, which includes all parks and recreational areas including Lake Mead, Mount Charleston, Spring Mountains and Red Rock. There is an extreme danger of fire in the parklands and people caught using fireworks can face an extremely stiff penalty.