WINNEMUCCA - Fireworks are an American tradition on Independence Day and can be fun throughout the summer, but it is important to make sure the items you purchase are legal in the area they will be used.
William A. Weimer is vice president of B.J. Alan Company, a distributor of Phantom Consumer Fireworks, a fireworks store with three Nevada branches.
Weimer first noted that fireworks cannot be ordered online from the company website. Individuals must visit one of the branches in person in order to purchase their fireworks. He further explained that only certain types of fireworks are legal in the state of Nevada.
"Only ground-based products such as cones, fountains and the like are permitted," Weimer said. "Anything that propels into the air or explodes is not permitted."
He explained that there are no limits on the quantity of legal fireworks purchased, but added that there are still certain guidelines people must follow to ensure they are using their fireworks in both a legal and a safe manner.
"Consumer fireworks should only be used on private property where permission has been obtained for their use," Weimer stated. "Never use fireworks in particularly dry areas or areas that contain dried brush or other flammable material. Never shoot fireworks in close proximity to structures or people. You should always consider the safety and well-being of pets, who can get very agitated in the presence of fireworks."
Sneaking in some forbidden fireworks may seem like nothing more than lighthearted mischief, but those who do can face legal consequences.
Humboldt County Sheriff Ed Kilgore stressed that while people may legally purchase and use fireworks in some parts of Nevada, local residents staying in Humboldt County for Independence Day or other summer festivities may not host their own fireworks show.
"There are other counties in Nevada that authorize the sale, possession and use of fireworks. Humboldt County does not authorize this," he said. "Under Humboldt County Ordinance 8.16.020, it is unlawful to possess, sell or give fireworks to another or cause to be exploded any fireworks within Humboldt County. The board of county commissioners may grant a permit for a pyrotechnical display of fireworks to authorized persons trained in pyrotechnical work. The penalty for this violation is a misdemeanor carrying a fine of $177."
Kilgore added that local residents cannot get around this law by buying their fireworks somewhere else and bringing them back over the county line.
"In Nevada, a person can purchase fireworks legally in another county and be in violation by simply bringing them to Humboldt County," he explained. "In most cases, law enforcement will confiscate the fireworks and issue either a warning or a citation to the person. The fear is that deployed fireworks will start fires and threaten or destroy personal property."
Those who will be traveling out of state this summer should be aware that laws concerning fireworks will also vary outside of Nevada.
Weimer pointed out that fireworks that are illegal under another state's laws cannot be taken into that state even if they were purchased legally elsewhere. Local residents who plan to cross the state line into Oregon will need to abide by Oregon state law.
"Oregon permits the sale and use of cones, fountains and wheels," he said. "Specifically prohibited in Oregon are bottle rockets, Roman candles, any aerial products or firecrackers."
Kilgore advised individuals to attend the city's official fireworks displays rather than attempting to create their own fireworks show.
"As we draw closer to our annual 4th of July festivities, I would urge residents to refrain from using fireworks themselves and simply enjoy the organized event that we have in the park," he said to those who will be in Winnemucca. "If you see (other) fireworks, call dispatch at 623-6429 and report it to law enforcement."
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