Resident urges tougher fireworks enforcement as county warns how to report illegal use

At the April 24 Board of Commissioners meeting a Silver City-area resident urged the county to strengthen enforcement of illegal aerial fireworks ahead of the summer season, citing drought and past wildfire damage.

"I personally think there should be a hefty fine on it ... I would even be in favor of a thousand dollars for a fine on it," resident Jane Tucker told commissioners during public input. Tucker said she has seen aerial fireworks in her neighborhood on holidays year after year and asked how the county plans to enforce prohibitions on rockets and other aerial devices.

A county law-enforcement speaker told the room that the county has an ordinance in place and instructed residents who see illegal fireworks to "contact central dispatch at (575) 388-8840, non emergency, and report it. A deputy will get dispatched out to the area to look at the situation." The speaker said law enforcement coordinates with local fire departments as the Fourth of July approaches.

Why it matters: Residents pointed to drought conditions and the 2011 fire that damaged nearby areas as reasons to tighten enforcement and public education. Commissioners and staff did not propose new ordinance language or fines during the meeting; the discussion was recorded as public comment and staff response.

Commissioners acknowledged the safety concerns and said the county will continue coordination among deputies and volunteer fire departments to respond to complaints. The meeting transcript does not record a new enforcement policy or an immediate vote on changes to the ordinance.