County Offers Safer Fireworks Location

San Juan County will open the north parking lot of McGee Park for people to light fireworks from dark on Saturday, June 29, until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2019. The parking lot is available for anyone to come and light fireworks while steering clear of brush or buildings.

From San Juan County:

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

This Independence Day, San Juan County invites you to light your fireworks in the parking lot of McGee Park.

San Juan County will open the north parking lot of McGee Park for people to light fireworks from dark on Saturday, June 29, until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2019. The parking lot is available for anyone to come and light fireworks while steering clear of brush or buildings.

San Juan County Fire Marshal Chris Cardin says the increased moisture this season and over the winter has not totally eliminated the threat of firework-caused wildfires.

“People still need to be careful when lighting fireworks. If you are in the middle of a parking lot, most of the risk from a firework fire is removed,” said Cardin, “A clear parking lot is an ideal place to put on a fireworks show.”

Space in the McGee Park parking lot is first come, first serve, and alcohol is not allowed. San Juan County will provide a large dumpster to dispose of used fireworks, and the lights in the parking lot will be off at night. San Juan County Fire Department recommends bringing water to drown spent fireworks, and a fire extinguisher. All we ask is that you clean up your spent fireworks and any trash before you leave the parking lot.

 

Additionally, the San Juan County Fire Department has some important reminders for anyone lighting fireworks this year.

ALWAYS light fireworks on paved or barren, flat ground.

ALWAYS read and follow label directions

ALWAYS light fireworks outside.

ALWAYS have a readily available water source.

ALWAYS light one firework at a time.

ALWAYS dispose of fireworks properly.

NEVER relight fireworks which didn’t go off.

NEVER let small children handle fireworks.

NEVER throw fireworks.

NEVER shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

 

Each jurisdiction has its own firework restrictions in place. It is important to know the rules for your city or town and buy fireworks in the jurisdiction you plan to light them.

If there is ever any emergency, please call 911.

More from Local News

  • Lauren Laws Named Interim Superintendent for Aztec Schools

    For 15 years, Lauren Laws has dedicated her career to Aztec Schools, beginning as a Special Education teacher in 2008. In 2010 she transitioned to General Education, where she spent six years in the classroom working with 4th and 5th graders at Park Avenue Elementary while completing work on her Master's Degree. During her tenure at Park Avenue Elementary, she also served a Lead Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Lauren has spent the past three years serving as the Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning for the district.

  • Durango Picks Brice Current to be New Police Chief

    Brice Current was a former narcotics agent with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Aztec, NM. He was hired as Durango's Deputy Police Chief in 2019.

  • Waterflow Fire Kills 1

     Crews arrived to find a camp trailer on fire and one occupant still inside. Another occupant was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. Despite a quick response from fire crews, one occupant was found dead in the trailer after the fire was extinguished.  The name of the deceased is not yet released. 

  • Farmington Schools Hires first Armed Campus Safety Monitor

     The FMS Board of Education authorized school security personnel to carry firearms on school premises during their January 9, 2024, meeting. The move paved the way for the hiring of Armed Campus Safety Monitors (ACSMs), former certified law enforcement officers tasked with providing an additional layer of protection for students and staff during emergencies.

  • City Breaks Ground on Pinon Hills Extension

    Farmington Officials gathered with representatives from the NM Department of Transportation and San Juan County to break ground on the long-anticipated Pinon Hills Boulevard Extension Project. San Juan County announced that design work on their section of the project is 90% completed.

  • Back to Bloomfield: Summers Selected as New Superintendent

    Kevin Summers will be returning to the Bloomfield School District as Superintendent, after the retirement of Dr. Kim Mizell at the end of the current school year. Summers' hire makes an opening in the Superintendent's Office in Aztec where he has served for the past three years.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 77°F | Low: 43°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 72°F | Low: 34°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 81°F | Low: 45°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 75°F | Low: 37°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Light rain shower

    High: 61°F | Low: 36°F