Bernalillo County, NM Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- IFC § 5610 via County Code § 34-76
- Banned outright
- Aerial rockets, roman candles, firecrackers
- Retail sales
- Permit required before sale date
- Discharge location
- Paved/barren ground with water only
- Max penalty
- $300 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Bernalillo County bans aerial and loud consumer fireworks outright, requires a permit for retail fireworks sales, and confines lawful discharge to paved or barren ground with water on hand.
5610.1 ... the following fireworks are prohibited from possession, storage, Sales, and handling of the following: (1)Aerial Devices:(a)aerial spinners;(b)helicopters;(c)missile-type rockets;(d)stick-type rockets;(f)roman candles.(2)Ground Audible Devices:(a)chasers;(b)firecrackers. ... 5610.5 Locations for discharge and use. Fireworks shall only be discharged in areas that are paved or barren and have a readily accessible source of water for use by public. 5610.5.1. Prohibited Areas. Fireworks shall not be discharged or used in wildland areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
The county's fire code amendments (Sec. 34-76, adding IFC § 5610) ban possession, storage, sale, and handling of aerial devices, spinners, helicopters, missile- and stick-type rockets, roman candles, plus ground audible devices like chasers and firecrackers. Selling other consumer fireworks requires a retail permit before the sale date. Discharge is limited to paved or barren areas with accessible water, and fireworks may never be set off or used in wildland areas. Violations carry the code's general penalty: up to $300 and 90 days in jail.
Violations & Fines
Up to a $300 fine, up to 90 days in county jail, or both under the Code's general penalty (§ 1-6); each day a violation continues can be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off bottle rockets or firecrackers in Bernalillo County?
Where can I legally use permitted consumer fireworks?
Does this apply if I live in Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.