$500 Fine For Illegal Fireworks: How To Avoid A Disaster
The Fourth of July would be the same without those breathtaking fireworks. However, those that are illegal can quickly turn your holiday into a less-than-fun time within minutes if they go wrong. Not only are they dangerous, they can be quite expensive. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Civil fines for first-time offenders have doubled to $500, the maximum allowed under state law, according to the city.”
In many cities, things that explode, emit a flame, spark higher than 12 feet, or perform as a projectile are strictly prohibited. People who live here in the Valley often purchase them in other areas outside of Las Vegas and end up using the fireworks from those other jurisdictions. According to shouselaw.com, Fireworks are legal in Nevada, but only under 3 conditions:
- when they have the “Safe-N-Sane” label,
- when you purchase them from licensed sellers in fire department-approved booths,
- when you use them between June 28th and July 4th.
Fireworks Are Not Meant to Be Treated As Toys
When safety is not first and foremost, you can get injured. Some of these injuries can be quite serious and leave permanent damage. Nevertheless, people will still decide to use fireworks at their own risk. Amateurs using professional-grade or homemade fireworks or even less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can still be deemed dangerous.
these people have to be dumb if not stupid! If someone uses fireworks, they should do so under an abundance of caution. Here are some best practices to ensure the safest results:
Firework Safety Tips
1. Avoid fireworks packaged in brown paper, as they are made for professional displays and are not for backyard use.
2. Always ensure an adult supervises fireworks activities. This is especially important with sparklers. Never allow young children to play or ignite any type of firework regardless of how responsible you think your kid is, accidents can happen. Kids can look, but should not be allowed to touch.
3. Be sure to back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
4. Never point or throw fireworks at another person This can be super dangerous since fireworks are not toys.
5. There should be a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby should a fire break out. Additionally, douse used fireworks before discarding them in the trash.
6. Be especially careful not to place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting it. This could be a recipe for disaster.
Related Story: Massive Fires In Las Vegas After July 4th
The bottom line is the National Safety Council says that it is best for everyone to enjoy fireworks at a public display that is conducted by professionals, and to avoid the use of any fireworks at home. Even though fireworks are legal in some states they are not safe.
