First Person

Village of Los Lunas urges residents to celebrate safely this Fourth of July

Los Lunas Fire Chief John Gabaldon Los Lunas Fire Chief John Gabaldon Los Lunas Fire Chief John Gabaldon guest columnist
Published Modified

Fire Safety Information

As July 4 celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy.

In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year — a sharp increase of about 38 percent in deaths and about 52 percent in injuries respectively compared to 2023. There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.

Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries (32 percent), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24 percent).

The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36 percent) and head, face, and ears (22 percent). Burns were the most common injury, making up 37 percent of all emergency room visits.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.

(Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

In response to growing public concern regarding the use of fireworks during the ongoing drought conditions, the village of Los Lunas is reminding residents the village is currently enforcing the most restrictive sale and use of fireworks allowed by New Mexico state law.

John Gabaldon

While the village shares the community’s concerns, state statute limits how far local governments can go in restricting the sale and use of fireworks. Unless the governor has declared a state of emergency, the village cannot restrict the sale and use of fireworks any more than it currently does.

As of today, no such declaration has been made by the governor, and therefore, the village cannot further restrict the sale and use of fireworks.

As always, safety is our top priority. We urge residents to recognize that the safest way to celebrate this Fourth of July is to avoid using personal fireworks altogether and attend the public fireworks display at the Los Lunas Sports Complex. This event is professionally managed and provides a safe environment for families to enjoy the holiday.

Village crews and emergency responders remain on standby and are fully prepared to respond to any incidents that may arise.

For those who still choose to use fireworks at home, the village strongly advises residents to only purchase fireworks from vendors within the village limits. Fireworks sold in neighboring areas, such as Peralta, may include fireworks that are illegal to use or possess within Los Lunas.

The village encourages all residents to play a role in keeping our neighborhoods safe this holiday season.

(John Gabaldon is the chief of the Los Lunas Fire Department.)

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