Celebrate Without Fireworks
Editor’s note: The Town of Edgewood, Santa Fe County, and the City of Santa Fe have all either enacted or extended bans on fireworks. Many public areas have been closed due to extreme fire. Folks, we are living through what is probably the worst drought in living memory. Let’s celebrate our patriotism by not endangering the lives and property of our fellow Americans, and save those fireworks to celebrate some really good rain when it comes. A tip of the hat to Chuck Ring at Gadabout-Blogalot.com for posting information on several of the bans (here and here).
by Martin Heinrich
Dear Friend,
This 4th of July, as we gather with friends and family in celebration of our nation, please make safety a priority. Specifically, I’d like to caution you against using fireworks of any kind this year.
With wildfires burning throughout our state, it is more important than ever for each of us to do our part in protecting our treasured natural resources and communities from more unintended fires. I commend the hundreds of brave men and women who are on the ground fighting the New Mexico wildfires. Please join me in spreading the word on how to stay safe this weekend, and throughout the fire season.
Here are a few wildfire safety tips:
- Do not use fireworks of any kind.
- Use caution and common sense before lighting any fire.
- Understand that any fire you create could become a wildfire.
- Never, ever leave any fire unattended.
- Properly extinguish and discard smoking materials.
- Be aware of your surroundings and careful when operating equipment during periods of dry or hot weather.
- Speak up and step in when you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.
Common ways you could unintentionally start a wildfire:
- Unattended debris burning
- Equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment
- Smoking
- Unattended campfires
- Children playing with matches or lighters
- Fireworks
I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and fun holiday. It is an honor to represent you in Congress. My staff and I are here to serve you, and I urge you to contact me anytime.
Be well and keep in touch —
MARTIN HEINRICH
Member of Congress