‘Exercise some intelligent behavior’: Las Vegas officials warn against using illegal fireworks

Touchstone — discussing an incident where a mortar lit in the roadway of a local neighborhood tipped over, exploded the gas tank of a nearby car and eventually lit a home on fire — urged the public to “reconsider” their decision to purchase or use banned pyrotechnics.

If Touchstone’s precautionary tale was not enough, Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Andrew Walsh said that being caught in possession of such contraband can result in a fine of at least $500, even if they are not being fired off.

“The reminder for the people in the community, too, is that if you’re caught using illegal fireworks, those fireworks will be confiscated, and you will be issued a citation,” Walsh said, “Beyond receiving a citation and the potential that it has to ruin somebody’s holiday, you [should] be mindful of the impact that this illegal behavior has on the police and fire services when you’re doing so.”

At the Thursday conference, Walsh was joined by Touchstone, Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Fire Department Assistant Chief Sherri Shoup, each of whom shared tips on how the public can stay safe and comply with fireworks laws throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Increased police presence in problem areas

Walsh, opening the event, explained that calls for service typically quadruple — from 800 to 3200 — on the night of July 4. Being proactive, he added, Metro will increase the number of officers deployed to “problem” areas of the past.

Since June 20, Walsh also said, the department had been stationed at the county line to ensure that fireworks purchased in neighboring towns like Moapa and Pahrump were not brought into Las Vegas.

“By increasing the presence of officers throughout our Valley, we’re striving to make a difference and reduce the number of disturbances by providing, again, a safe environment for people to celebrate the independence of our country,” Walsh said. “There’s no reason to buy [from] another jurisdiction. They’re illegal when you bring them back.”

Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill, told the Review-Journal that late last month, he had received several complaints of Metro officers in unmarked vehicles and plain clothes, surveilling the parking lots of firework booths in his jurisdiction. McGill asked Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill to reorganize the department’s crackdown efforts, and he said he has not received any complaints since.

“Our laws are different in Nye County. You can buy commercial-grade fireworks, like the big stuff that goes in the air,” McGill said. “As soon as you cross county lines, though, it’s illegal, and I fully agree with that. We have highway signs that say transporting is illegal. The people know what they’re doing and they know that they are taking the chance of getting caught and getting in trouble.”

‘Exercise intelligent behavior’

To report illegal fireworks in the Las Vegas valley, Walsh said, the public can visit ispyfireworks.com, rather than clogging up emergency police, fire, and medical phone lines.

The undersheriff also told reporters that police would be cracking down on poor driving habits, including impaired driving, this weekend.

Underscoring Walsh’s remarks, Kirkpatrick encouraged the public to purchase fireworks only from local “safe and sane” booths, where authorities have already vetted all items sold.

Berkley offered alternatives to at-home fireworks shows, such as the demonstrations at the Plaza Hotel, Cashman Field, and Buckskin Basin Park.

“Keep an eye on your kids and make sure that you exercise some intelligent behavior. You don’t want to wake up on July 5, burned or with less fingers than you started July 4 with.” Berkley, who wore an American flag scarf on her shoulders, said. “It’s our nation’s birthday. This is a wonderful holiday to celebrate, and we have a lot to celebrate, but let’s do it intelligently.

Contact Akiya Dillon at adillon@reviewjournal.com.