The Fourth of July is quickly approaching. Weather countywide is dangerously hot, and the risk of fire is at an all-time high. In this light residents and visitors are reminded of the need to cautiously, prudently and respectfully store, light and dispose of fireworks to ensure the safety of all – people and property.
According to a June 22 City of Hobbs press release (PDF), Lea County and the City of Hobbs have enacted regulations about the purchase and discharge of fireworks, and the two entities have aligned these regulations to ensure “consistency in these laws”. The public is advised “to possess and discharge fireworks in the locale where they were purchased” and to remember “that fireworks purchased outside of Hobbs city limits may be prohibited within the city of Hobbs and may result in citations or fines if possessed or discharged within city limits,” states the press release.
As previously reported by the Lea County Tribune, the City of Hobbs is hosting a “Safe Zone”, July 2, 3 and 4, at Hobbs Industrial Air Park (5425 Jack Gomez Blvd). Hours of operation are 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. In the “Safe Zone”, which is monitored by staff from the Hobbs’ police and fire departments, fireworks whether legal or illegal within the Hobbs city limits are allowed, providing an opportunity for all to “indulge and safely enjoy this time of year.”
Legal Fireworks Within the Hobbs City Limits
Pursuant to Hobbs Municipal Code Section 8.12.040, fireworks allowed “to be purchased and discharged in the City of Hobbs (outside of the Safe Zone)” are the following “ground and hand-held sparkling and smoking devices:”
- Cone Fountains
- Crackling Devices
- Cylindrical Fountains
- Flitter Sparklers
- Illuminating Torches
- Toy Smoke Devices
- Wheels
Illegal Fireworks Within the Hobbs City Limits
“Fireworks prohibited for possession, sale or use in Hobbs are aerial and ground audible devices such as:”
- Aerial Spinners
- Chasers
- Firecrackers
- Helicopters
- Mines
- Missile-Type Rockets
- Roman Candles
- Shells
- Stick-Type Rockets
General Safety Tips from the Hobbs Fire Department for Fireworks’ Users
The Hobbs Fire Department reminds the public:
- Individuals under 16 may NOT purchase fireworks.
- Intoxicated individuals may NOT purchase fireworks.
- Be considerate of your neighbors – the hour – when using fireworks.
- Be cautious. Grasses and weeds are extremely susceptible to fire because of the dry weather conditions.
- “Keep a water supply – a garden hose and a bucket – handy in case of fire.”
- “Children should NEVER use fireworks without adult supervision.”
- Do NOT allow children to light fireworks.
- “Light only one item at a time and move away from it.”
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
- Always keep fireworks “away from combustibles and busy areas.”
- Only purchase fireworks from a licensed vendor.
- Carefully read and follow all fireworks’ label directions.
- “When you are finished celebrating, clean up debris from fireworks and help keep Hobbs beautiful.”
The end goal is a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July for all. Anyone needing additional information should call the Hobbs Fire Department at (575) 391-8158. Alternatively, messages may be sent to the department on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
