The City of Mesquite Department of Fire & Rescue wishes you and your families a happy and safe 4th of July.

The use fireworks  labeled “Safe and Sane” is permitted in the City of Mesquite from June 21st until July 4th, and from December 28th until January 1st.  Fireworks that fly in the air or explode are illegal and can start fires in remote or hidden locations. Think of a bottle rocket landing in the crevice of pitched roof and how that can smolder with trapped leaves or debris, eventually starting a fire.  Even the so-called “Safe and Sane” fireworks and sparklers can be harmful.  These “store bought” ground-based fireworks can cause serious burns, hearing loss and other injuries if not used with caution.  So what is not allowed?

Taken from the Mesquite Municipal Code Title 4 Chapter 6:      It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, to offer for sale, display for sale, sell at wholesale or retail, otherwise provide to another person, or use, ignite, discharge, or explode any dangerous fireworks in the city of Mesquite.
DANGEROUS FIREWORKS: Include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Firecrackers, M-80s, M-100s, salutes and other articles which explode;
  • Fireworks that provide an aerial display;
  • Skyrockets and rockets, including all devices which employ any combustible or explosive material and which rise in the air during discharge;
  • Roman candles, including all devices which discharge balls of fire into the air;
  • Cannons, canes, pistols or other devices designed for use otherwise than with paper caps;
  • Fireworks compositions that may ignite spontaneously or undergo marked decomposition when subjected for forty eight (48) consecutive hours to a temperature of one hundred sixty seven degrees Fahrenheit (167°F);
  • Sparklers more than ten inches (10″) in length or one-fourth inch (1/4“) in diameter;
  • Torpedoes of all kinds including those which explode on impact;
  • Any firework that incorporates or utilizes a detonator or blasting cap;
  • Fireworks which explode through means of friction;
  • Fireworks kits which are any assembly of materials or explosive substances, designed and intended by the seller to be assembled by the consumer and when so assembled would come within this definition;
    • Devices that travel a distance on the ground exceeding a ten foot (10′) radius.

Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s Fourth of July celebration, yet every year people take needless risks when they celebrate the Fourth of July.  Here are some sobering statistics looking at the dangers of fireworks:

  • On July 4th(in a typical year) fireworks account for 2 out of 5 of all reported fires, more than any other cause of fire
  • In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1200 structure and 400 vehicle fires.
  • $32 million in direct property damage
  • In 2012, emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries
  • 57% of the injuries were fireworks burns
  • 30% people injured by fireworks were under 15 years old
  • Males accounted for 74% of the injuries
  • Youth (15-24) followed by children under 10 had the most injuries
  • Sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 25% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2012

For more information on fireworks safety, please visit  www.nfpa.org and search for “fireworks”

If you decide to purchase fireworks for your use at home, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe.

  • ONLY the use of fireworks labeled “Safe and Sane” is allowed and Legal in the City Of Mesquite.
  • KEEP a safe distance from structures or other flammable material like grass and brush (Minimum 50’).
  • NEVER allow young children to light or play with fireworks and always have adult supervision.
  • DO NOT use fireworks in plain brown paper packaging. These were likely meant for professional use.
  • HAVE a bucket of water and a hose handy to extinguish any fires.
  • NEVER stand directly over fireworks when lighting and immediately back away when lit.
  • NEVER try and relight or pick up a device that malfunctions.
  • NEVER throw fireworks or aim them at another person.
  • NEVER carry fireworks in your pocket or light them in a metal or glass container.
  • ALWAYS soak used fireworks with a hose or in a bucket prior to disposal to prevent a trash fire.

Mesquite Fire Rescue encourages you to leave fireworks shows to the professionals.  While we are happy to be of service, we’d rather not meet you by “Accident.”  Have a Safe and Sane 4th of July!