An estimated 1,800 reports of illegal fireworks were made on the Fourth of July, according to figures released by the Albuquerque Fire Department.
That figure is about 200 more than in 2021. The calls, made through 311, kept firefighters busy, though no major incidents were reported.
“The amount of calls that we get for the Fourth of July, without a doubt, the Fourth of July itself is the busiest day for our firefighters that are out there,” Lt. Tom Ruiz told KOB.
Fines can range up to $500, but almost all cases are handled diplomatically with firefighters explaining the dangers of using illegal fireworks, especially during a time when the state has experienced the worst fires in its history.
“More times than not, those folks are receptive to us going out,” Ruiz said. “And it really is an amicable conversation. And those folks are, are OK with that.”
Those who persist in the illegal activity are dealt with accordingly.
“If there are multiple calls for the same residents, and we go out and if our folks witness it, at that point, I do believe that the citation would be issued,” Ruiz said.
