City Of Reno: Important New Year's Eve Safety Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal

Press release from the City of Reno:

12/30/2021 1:55 PM

The Reno Fire Department (RFD) would like to remind everyone that fireworks in Reno and Washoe County are not only dangerous but illegal. Please celebrate New Year’s Eve safely.

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. 

“We want all our residents and visitors to have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve,” Reno Fire Marshal Tray Palmer said. “Leaving the fireworks to the professionals is one of the easiest ways to do this.”

If you possess fireworks and would like to get rid of them in a safe and responsible manner, RFD has an amnesty program whereby you can deliver them to a fire station, no questions asked.

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

Fireworks Facts:

• The National Fire Protection Association reports fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2020, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 15,600 people for fireworks-related injuries; 30% of those injuries were to the hands and fingers and 37% were to the eyes or other parts of the head. Adults 25 to 44 years old experienced about 35% of the estimated injuries, and children younger than 15 accounted for 18% of the estimated injuries.

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