
(Deming) – Luna County officials voted to restrict the sale and use of fireworks because of extreme drought conditions in the area.
The commissioners approved a proclamation during their regular June meeting which prohibits the sale and/or use of certain fireworks, including missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, stick-type rockets and ground audible devices, within the unincorporated portions of the county.
The proclamation also restricts permitted fireworks to areas that are paved or barren, or that have a readily accessible source of water for use by the landowner or general public.
County officials consulted with the state forester and decided that the use of any fireworks in areas designated as “wild lands” – that is, lands covered wholly or in part by timber, brush or native grass – is prohibited.
The proclamation does not apply to the annual City of Deming fireworks show. In fact, state officials are urging residents throughout New Mexico to attend and enjoy display fireworks put on by municipalities instead of igniting their own fireworks this year due to the severe drought.