Santa Fe, NM – Fireworks are a popular Fourth of July tradition, but with an early start to the 2022 wildfire season and much of the state still in long-term drought, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Forestry Division and its partners urge you to skip the fireworks to support firefighters. With July 2nd declared by the National Interagency Fire Center as the First Annual National Wildland Firefighter Day, there has never been a better time to show you care.  

While recent moisture has decreased fire danger, some areas of the state are still extremely dry, and fireworks put our communities at unnecessary risk. Stay safe by following all federal, state and local laws prohibiting fireworks this Fourth of July. Fireworks are prohibited on all State and Federal lands. Many municipalities and counties have also banned the retail sale of fireworks due to extreme fire danger and a recent executive order by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure you are following federal, state and local laws prohibiting fireworks:  

• Remember, fireworks are ALWAYS illegal on public lands. Still, be sure to check for fire restrictions and closures before you plan to visit public land to make sure your non-firework holiday plans are permitted. 
• Remember, if you are staying in town, many municipalities have fire restrictions that are not listed in the link above. Check with your local fire department or government agency for restrictions before building a campfire or lighting fireworks. 
• Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Check your local events calendar for a firework display that you can enjoy without contributing to wildfire risk in your area. 
• Although you may not be lighting fireworks, your neighbors may have different plans. Enjoy your Independence Day celebration and rest easy by hardening your home to embers and flames.
• Don’t lose your house to a spark gone astray. Clean your gutters and roof to prepare your home for wildfire season and the Fourth of July. 
• Reduce the risk of ember ignition to your house by preparing the 5’ zone around your structure. 
• Create defensible space in the 30’ zone around your house so that you have a fighting chance to save it in the event of a wildfire. 

Other helpful resources include the Ready, Set, Go! Program (video), Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner, New Mexico, Firewise USA®, and Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network (FACNM).

The New Mexico Forestry Division is working with the Carson, Cibola, and Santa Fe National Forests, Forest Stewards Guild, Fire Adapted NM, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our Wildfire preparedness is Year-Round calendar in 2022 and share the message across multiple platforms. This includes social media, webinars, and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.