Fireworks: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do fireworks rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque and Tijeras have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque bans the aerial devices and ground audible devices it is allowed to prohibit under New Mexico's Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act. Fire Code Section 3309.1 prohibits possession, storage, sale and use of aerial spinners, helicopters, missile- and stick-type rockets, Roman candles, chasers (bottle rockets) and firecrackers citywide.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Aerial fireworks are illegal statewide in New Mexico. Tijeras is in a high wildfire risk area in the Tijeras Canyon/East Mountains. Bernalillo County Fire Department provides fire services. Consumer fireworks may be further restricted due to wildfire danger.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Albuquerque Fire Code 3309.1 | - |
| State preemption | NMSA 60-2C-7 (cities may ban only aerial & ground-audible devices) | - |
| Banned | Rockets, Roman candles, aerial spinners, helicopters, chasers, firecrackers | - |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor; up to $500 and/or 90 days (Sec. 3309.6.1) | - |
| Park/open-space buffer | 200 ft from Open Space/Bosque; no use in city parks | - |
| Aerial Fireworks | - | ILLEGAL statewide |
| Wildfire Risk | - | High — East Mountains/Tijeras Canyon |
| Fire Department | - | Bernalillo County FD |
| State Law | - | NMSA §60-11B |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
What fireworks are illegal in Albuquerque?
Aerial devices (aerial spinners, helicopters, missile-type rockets, stick-type rockets, Roman candles) and ground audible devices (chasers/bottle rockets, firecrackers) are prohibited from possession, storage, sale and use under Fire Code 3309.1. These are the only categories New Mexico (NMSA 60-2C-7) lets a city ban.
What fireworks are legal in Albuquerque?
Permissible 'Caution'-labeled ground and hand-held sparkling devices - fountains, sparklers, ground spinners, wheels and illuminating torches - remain legal because state law bars cities from banning them.
Can I set off legal fireworks anywhere?
No. Even legal fireworks may not be used within 200 feet of Open Space, the Bosque, Wildland Areas or undeveloped private land, and are banned in all city parks including Balloon Fiesta Park (Sec. 3309.5).
Tijeras FAQ
Are consumer fireworks legal in Tijeras?
Aerial fireworks are illegal statewide in New Mexico. Tijeras is in a high wildfire risk area in the Tijeras Canyon/East Mountains. Bernalillo County Fire Department provides fire services. Consumer fireworks may be further restricted due to wildfire danger.
When can I set off fireworks in Tijeras?
Aerial Fireworks: ILLEGAL statewide. Wildfire Risk: High — East Mountains/Tijeras Canyon. Fire Department: Bernalillo County FD. State Law: NMSA §60-11B.
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