Most of the year, fireworks are illegal in Nevada and within the state’s counties. That being said, the week leading up to the Fourth of July are an exception to this rule, with some caveats.
Nevada’s Safe and Sane Requirements
In fact, from June 28th through July 4th it is legal for people to buy, possess, and use fireworks that fall within guidelines referred to as “safe and sane.” The guidelines require, among other things, that the fireworks keep to a small circular area on the ground and that they do not explode in the air. Products that are legal and meet these requirements are stamped with a mark denoting that they are allowed. These fireworks must be sold by licensed vendors that have been previously approved by the fire department. Some examples of illegal fireworks under Nevada law include:
- Roman candles;
- Sky rockets;
- Parachutes;
- Bottle rockets;
- Lady fingers;
- Black jacks;
- Mortar shells;
- Black cats;
- M-80s;
- Auto Foolers;
- Cigarette loads;
- Some larger sparklers; and
- Firecrackers.
Nevada Law
Every county in the state of Nevada regulates fireworks in a different manner. Across the state, however, it is generally illegal to possess fireworks in a school, on streets and sidewalks, and on property owned by a city, state, or the federal government. Consequently, fireworks are illegal in Red Rock, Lake Mead, Death Valley, Mount Charleston, and Spring Mountain.
Someone found in possession of unlawful fireworks can be charged with a misdemeanor. Generally, first-time offenders just have to pay a small monetary fine. That being said, the maximum possible penalties for a conviction include a fine of up to $1,000.00 and up to six months in jail. Of note, consumer fireworks (also referred to as “class C fireworks”) that private citizens use for recreational purposes are treated differently than display fireworks used by licensed pyrotechnicians.
Fireworks Injuries
Every year, Americans are injured due to accidents involving fireworks. It is estimated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that 11,900 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2015. More than half of those injuries were to victims’ extremities. More than 40% resulted in injuries to the head. Approximately one quarter of the total victims who were estimated to be injured in 2015 due to fireworks-related harm were minor children.
When someone suffers a serious burn or other fireworks-related injury, there is often long-term recovery required due to the nature of the harm. Often a victim requires multiple skin grafts. These procedures come with a high risk of infection. Likewise long-term physical therapy may be required so that the victim can recover full use of the limbs or hands. Beyond physical harm caused by fireworks-related injuries, these accidents can also cause psychological harm. Victims may be traumatized when witnessing a public event or family gathering goes wrong. Disfigurement or scarring that can not be fixed with plastic surgery can also have negative psychological effects.
Nevada Personal Injury Help
In short, stay safe when using fireworks and only use the ones allowed by Nevada law during the right time of the year. If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Nevada fireworks-related accident, contact the knowledgeable attorneys at H & P. These skilled personal injury lawyers have been protecting the rights of the injured for years, and can guide you during this difficult process.
