All fireworks are banned for fourth year in a row (El Paso: sales, live)

[Chuco]

El Paso County Commissioners voted today to ban all fireworks once again this year. With the rough drought conditions out there, for the fourth year in a row there will be no firework sales in the El Paso County.

I'm in my late thirties so I don't pop fireworks like I used to when I was a kid, but man, I feel bad for the kids today who can't enjoy them like many of us did when we were younger. I remember popping them inside the city limits in the early eighties when it was still legal in EP. Man, it was fun!!! But I understand with it being so dry out there that almost anything can spark up easily and start a major fire so I understand the commissioners.

El Paso County Commissioners ban all fireworks - El Paso Times

[malamute]

Yes, it's scorched out there -- I don't really think there's a choice.

[kidicarus89]

Eh, too many people treat the surrounding desert as a dump - its a worthy sacrifice.

[Violet West]

I'm sure I'll still see and hear fireworks near me out in the Upper Valley. People still set them off.

I was burned badly as a child playing with fireworks (as in burned up/almost died/months in the hospital) so I don't miss it.

[atrabilius]

I remember setting off fireworks being illegal within the city limits in the late 70s; of course, a lot of people did anyway, and there were fireworks stands beyond the city limits. I used to get mine at a stand on Dyer near Stan Roberts and set them off in the desert off the southern end of Kenworthy close to where I lived. Somebody whose brother I knew slightly who lived off Alabama and Fred Wilson was busted for setting off fireworks near her house.

Did Do~na Ana and/or Otero Counties ban fireworks, too?

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by Violet West

I'm sure I'll still see and hear fireworks near me out in the Upper Valley. People still set them off.

I was burned badly as a child playing with fireworks (as in burned up/almost died/months in the hospital) so I don't miss it.

I am intrigued... what happened, how did it turn out so badly? 'Good to know you survived.

[Bron_Brodir]

Go ahead, Shoot Fireworks off, I say let it burn.. Burn the whole city down. Okay not really.. but you know someone was thinking it.

I am glad they banned them, but that just means the edges of the city will be trashed with discarded firework leftovers.

[Violet West]

since I'm out on the edge here, we'll get them. Just hope no out of control fires!

Oh, HTBU -- as a kid, we always set off lots of fireworks in our backyard on the 4th of July. When I was around 7 years old, I went out the next morning while my parents were having breakfast and played with the leftover fireworks. I took a match and lit a sparkler . . . and I must have dropped the lit match on me, and my clothes caught on fire. This was before they taught kids to "stop, drop, and roll" so, of course what do I do but run around screaming hysterically. My poor dad had to catch me and throw me in the pool (which I was right next to . . . duh). So, yeah, 3d degree burns over half my torso, months in the hospital, skin grafts, follow up surgery, yadda yadda. I was so, so lucky, though.

the upshot is, I like fireworks . . . . from a distance. Don't get them close to me, though!