The ban on big fireworks in McKinley County could possibly continue for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday due to the state’s current drought.
During the May 4 commissioners meeting, McKinley County Fire Chief Brian Archuleta updated the commissioners on the ongoing severe drought situation in the county.
McKinley County is in the D3 and D4 intensity zones as of April 29, according to the U. S. Drought Monitor. These intensity zones show areas where fire damage is extreme, irrigation allotments are decreased, vegetation and native trees are dying, federal lands are closed for fire precautions, burn bans are increased, and large rivers like the Rio Grande are dry.
The commissioners did not make any decisions on whether or not big fireworks will be banned on the national holiday like they were for Cinco de Mayo, because the item was just up for discussion during the meeting.
“This time of year with the wind blowing, it makes it even more dangerous,” Commissioner Robert Baca, Dist. 3, stated.
The commissioners discussed how citizens often contribute to the spread of fires when they do things like drop cigarette butts on the ground without stepping on them to extinguish the flame. They agreed that the county needs to bring more awareness to fire safety and discussed possible ways to get the message out to the public.
“As a community we need to take this to heart.” Baca said.
An official decision about the Fourth of July fireworks will be made at a later, undetermined date.
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