An illegal firework explodes inside a watermelon during a Fourth of July fireworks safety news conference at the City of Las Vegas Fire Training Center on North Mohave Road Wednesday, June 30, 2021. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has issued a Fire Prevention Order continuing through Oct. 31, 2024, mandating fire safety practices on public lands, roads and trails in Nevada.
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 | 3:56 p.m.
Clark County commissioners today approved stricter fines for possessing illegal fireworks.
People in possession of less than 100 pounds of fireworks will face fines starting at $500, with a $1,000 fine for for a subsequent offense.
Anyone caught with more than 100 pounds of fireworks can be fined up to $5,000, and anyone with more than 5,000 pounds can be fined up to $10,000.
The fine was previously discretionary, ranging from $250 to $1,000.
The new fines do not apply to people under the age of 18 or those with a fireworks license or permit.
Around the Fourth of July, the Las Vegas sky lights up with professional fireworks displays, as well as illegal fireworks set off in neighborhoods.
“It’s a war zone as far as the amount of fireworks that are up in the air,” Clark County Fire Chief John Steinbeck said.
Steinbeck recommended the commission increase the fines and continue educating people about the dangers illegal fireworks pose.
On July 4, the fire department responded to 480 calls, and every year there are fireworks-related injuries, Steinbeck said.
Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick pointed out that a child lost a hand last year in a fireworks accident.
“It’s getting worse every year,” she said. “People laugh at us when we try to cite them the $250 today.”
