Drought & Fireworks
Fire Dept.: Deadly combination during the July 4th

Chris Long, 16, right, and partial owner Justin Winfield setup their largest assortment of fireworks in a single package called the "Biggen" for the after work rush on Friday afternoon at the Bubba's Fireworks stand on north U.S. Highway 491. [Photo by Matt Hinshaw/Independent]

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — The high desert climate, landscape and fireworks can be a dangerous combination this time of year.

In fact, dry, unruly weeds, high winds and a traveling tumble weed can complicate fire season tremendously for local firefighters.

Fireworks season officially began on June 20 and will end on July 10; however, it's the days leading up to and proceeding the Fourth of July that are the most troublesome in terms of fire risk.

Raymond Ross, division commander of operations for the Gallup Fire Department, said firefighters witness the most irresponsible use of fireworks during this time frame.

He said high winds cause local vegetation to dry out and become easily ignitable by stray firework sparks. Once the blaze begins, it is easily spread by the high winds. "It could be a cause of a major disaster," Ross said.

Ross did not have exact numbers, but said firefighters respond to their fair share of small brush fires caused by fireworks each year. Fortunately, no major incidents have been reported within the last two years.

The Forestry Service annually evaluates the level of precipitation in the area to determine whether a full fireworks ban is warranted. Such a ban hasn't been imposed in years.

"We have not been given any memos that indicate we would have to enforce a ban on fireworks," Ross said.

He said the fire department has seen an 85 to 90 percent decrease in the number of calls for assistance on the Fourth of July since the city and local businesses started hosting the annual celebration that includes a professional fireworks display.

Instead of partaking in their own celebration, most residents gather at the sports complex for the group festivities. The display is intended to minimize the use of fireworks by residents and is strategically staged at a central location to allow residents to view the fireworks from several locations within the city. Ross said the city used to spend more money on overtime for firefighters, fuel, water usage and vehicle wear and tear due to the number of fireworks related calls.

"The intent behind the project is to minimize the above factors," Ross said. "We've had good, positive results thus far."

The fire department also recommends residents clear weeds from their property and rid their gutters of any vegetation that could become flammable. It is also recommended that homeowners have a garden hose on hand to extinguish any small flames caused by fireworks. However, call 9-1-1 if the fire develops. Division Commander Phillip Lopez, of the Gallup Fire Department, wants to remind the public that all burning within city limits and 5 miles outside the city is illegal.

He said many blazes are started when trash fires grow out of control.

Those who plan to burn trash within the county must apply for a permit with the County Fire Marshal's Office.

The office will ensure county residents burn trash in a controlled environment and have access to adequate amounts of water before the permits are granted.