Illegal fireworks pose risk of wildfire, bodily harm

The Fourth of July holiday brings out many traditions, such as picnics, watermelon and fireworks.

Unfortunately, illegal fireworks set off by private individuals are often a part of the celebration.

"We get reports pretty frequently, but very seldom do we find who's doing it," said Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong. "They are usually called in as shots fired. We had one (Thursday) night. People hear the bangs and they think it's shooting."

Fireworks are illegal in Carson City and surrounding counties. But people do set them off throughout the year, usually more in the summertime, according to Furlong.

"The ones we get for the Fourth of July tend to blow them off on the evening of the Fourth, and every once in while you get a fire out of it," Furlong said.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission warns people every year about the danger of illegal fireworks, producing a video showing things like exploding watermelons and mannequins getting their fingers blown off.

But in this area, brush fires are by far the greater danger, Furlong said. Furlong noted that perpetrators can be held responsible for the costs of putting out fires caused by fireworks.

"Even small fires can be very expensive," Furlong said.

The sheriff recommended people enjoy the professional fireworks show put on tonight by RSVP.

"Don't shoot them off. Come down to Mills Park and watch them, because you can be cited on the spot for possessing them," Furlong said.