Enjoy the fireworks; don't go up in smoke

  • Published
  • By 49th WingPublic Affairs
  • 49th Wing
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Every year the Fourth of July holiday weekend brings families together around the grill and lights up the night sky with fireworks. But Holloman residents are reminded that no personal fireworks are permitted on base.

"We live in the desert and even a small spark could start a wildfire," said Harvey Stevens, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, assistant chief of fire prevention. "Even though we received a lot of rain over the past few weeks, we are still in a fire danger area."

Holloman will be hosting the annual Freedom Fest on July 2 beginning at 5 p.m., that will include family activities, rides and a fireworks show. Anyone with base access is invited to attend.

"We want everyone to come take advantage of Freedom Fest and leave the fireworks to the professionals," said Stevens. "Every year our emergency services responds to 911 calls for injuries, burns and fires."

If you live off base, the city of Alamogordo and Otero County have rules you need to know.

"If you live within the Alamogordo city limits, there are no aerial fireworks over 10 foot and nothing louder than a cap gun," said Gary Townsend, manager of Amy's Fireworks on highway 70. "If you live in the county, there are no restrictions as long as you are on private land and do not exceed 500 gram fireworks."

There is also a strict no fireworks policy on all state and national parks land. The state law restricting fireworks can be found under N.M.S.A. 1978 Section 60-2C-1, the Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act.

"In 2010, about 8,600 Americans went to the emergency room with injuries from Fourth of July fireworks," said Daniel Salinas, 49th Wing ground safety technician. "That is on top of the 7,000 that reported fire and medical emergencies from grilling accidents."

The 49th Wing Safety office has put together a safety checklist to help keep you safe this year.

Grilling:
Always grill outside, at least 10 feet from a structure.
Only use charcoal starter fluid, never gasoline.
Never leave a hot grill unattended.
Enforce a 3 foot child free zone around the grill.
After grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them.

Fireworks:
No fireworks are permitted on base.
Always read and follow label directions.
Always have an adult present.
Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers.
Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
Be sure to have water/hose handy.
Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
Light only one at a time.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Dispose of fireworks properly.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

"The Fourth is for barbecues and family picnics. Unfortunately, the number of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths also increase on Independence Day. Drink responsibly, put down your cell phone, respect fireworks and have fun with your family this Fourth of July." said Salinas.