With the Fourth of July holiday coming soon, Clark County, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the city of Las Vegas and partnering agencies are reminding the public to follow the rules regarding fireworks.

“Safe and sane” fireworks are the only type of consumer fireworks allowed in Clark County and the local cities and only from June 28 through July 4. Officials say the best way to ensure that fireworks are legal is to buy them from TNT or Phantom Fireworks stands operated by local nonprofit groups during the week of Fourth of July. Fireworks sold at these stands have been tested by fire departments to ensure they don’t leak, burn too hot or project too high in the sky. There are 116 booths in Clark County and 64 in the city of Las Vegas permitted to sell “safe and sane” fireworks.

Neighborhood concerns about noise, litter, and the use of illegal fireworks purchased outside the Las Vegas Valley are common.

“We want everyone to enjoy a happy and safe Fourth of July, but the use of illegal fireworks is dangerous, especially because of our dry climate,” said Clark County Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Wayne Dailey. “We are asking our residents not to buy illegal fireworks from vendors outside of Clark County. Illegal fireworks cause fires, injuries, and unnecessary stress for members of our community sensitive to the loud explosive sounds.”

Citizens are also asked to consider the impact that the use of fireworks has on pets. The populations of shelters like The Animal Foundation typically increase by hundreds over the Fourth of July holiday because of fear and anxiety caused by the noise. Most of the lost pets are never reclaimed.

All fireworks, including those labeled “safe and sane,” are a concern during the spring and summer months when the threat of wildland fire is highest in Southern Nevada. No fireworks of any kind are allowed at Clark County Wetlands Park and other local parks, or on public lands in the region including Mount Charleston, Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon.

“The Fourth of July is one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency responders,” said Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Fernando Gray Sr. “It’s important for public safety to keep 911 free to report life-threatening police, fire and medical emergencies.”

The public is asked NOT to report illegal fireworks by calling 911. The misuse of 911 to report fireworks complaints, instead of life-threatening emergencies, can bog down the local police and fire dispatch center and can reduce response times to emergencies. The public may call 311 to report illegal firework complaints but responses are prioritized based on available resources, especially on busy nights like July 4.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will be working with Clark County and city of Las Vegas fire department inspectors to confiscate illegal fireworks and cite offenders caught using them. Offenders caught using or possessing illegal fireworks in unincorporated County areas and the city of Las Vegas face a minimum fine of $500. Legislation approved in 2021 by the Nevada State Legislature allows fines of up to $10,000 for large amounts of illegal fireworks found within the community.

“LVMPD remains committed to the safety of the residents and visitors of Clark County during the 4th of July holiday,” said LVMPD Undersheriff Andrew Walsh. “Our message is simple: Enjoy the celebration, respect the law, and make safety a part of your holiday plans.”

“Safe and sane” fireworks generally include sparklers and fireworks that keep to a small, circular area on the ground and don’t explode in the air. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, Roman candles, and skyrockets – anything made of highly combustible materials. Any fireworks purchased from other jurisdictions, including those with a “safe and sane” label, are likely to be illegal because they have not been tested and approved to be sold at local stands. This includes fireworks sold by vendors in Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, the Moapa Band of Paiutes and other states.

Officials also caution that all fireworks can be dangerous, even those labeled “safe and sane.” The following safety tips are recommended for those who plan to celebrate with fireworks:

• Closely supervise children and pets; maintaining a distance away from the fireworks that are being ignited minimizes the possibility of injury. Do not let children ignite fireworks.
• Be prepared in case of fire. Have a pre-connected garden hose handy.
• Use fireworks on flat, hard surfaces such as parking lots and cul-de-sacs away from buildings, vehicles, dry brush and bystanders.
• Place discharged fireworks into a bucket of water overnight to make certain they do not re-ignite.
• Beware of sparklers. These can be popular items to give to young children, but they can cause clothes to catch fire and serious burns.
• Coordinate lighting the items so that everyone in the group anticipates when they will be set off and won’t be surprised.
• Be courteous: Clean up litter left behind by fireworks.