City Of Reno: RFD: Fireworks Are Illegal And Dangerous

Press release from the City of Reno:

07/01/2021 11:28 AM

The Reno Fire Department (RFD) would like to remind residents that the use of any fireworks in Reno and Washoe County are illegal, and unsafe.

No fireworks are legal except public fireworks displays permitted through the Fire Department having jurisdiction. Even though it may be legal to purchase fireworks in some locations outside of Washoe County, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics within the City of Reno and in the unincorporated areas of Washoe County.

Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail for each offense, and the laws also provide for seizure and forfeiture of all such materials from individuals by law enforcement. 

"If your pyrotechnic activities cause property damage or bodily injury, the financial consequences can be significant,” Reno Fire Marshal Tray Palmer said. “The local fire jurisdictions will seek cost recovery, and fighting a fire caused by negligent activity can be expensive.”

If you happen to have some fireworks and would like to get rid of them in a safe and sane manner, RFD has an amnesty program whereby you can turn them into a fire station, no questions asked.

Fireworks Facts: 

• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fireworks start an estimated 19,500 fires annually. 
• U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries in the month of July; half of those injuries in the previous year were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. 
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated injuries.

For more information, contact RFD’s Division of Fire Prevention at 775-334-2300. 

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.