Gallup fire chief warns severe drought could prompt fireworks restrictions ahead of July 4

Fire Chief Jon Pairett told the Gallup City Council on March 24 that data from federal agencies show Gallup and McKinley County are currently experiencing severe drought and that the city could need to restrict fireworks for the July 4 holiday under state law.

"Gallup and McKinley County are currently in a severe drought," Pairett said during a PowerPoint presentation that cited the National Integrated Drought Information System, the National Weather Service and the U.S. Forest Service. He explained that, under the New Mexico Fireworks and Licensing Safety Act, local governments can issue drought proclamations or ordinances to restrict fireworks but cannot impose a total ban; proclamations must be issued at least 20 days before the holiday and are valid for 30 days unless extended.

Paired with that legal framework, Pairett described the city's enforcement authority: state and local inspections of fireworks stands, surprise inspections by city staff, and the power to remove illegal fireworks and revoke licenses for noncompliance. He said the City would return to the Council for a formal proclamation if drought conditions persist as the holiday approaches.

The mayor and councilors discussed the data sources and predictive models Pairett used to assess risk, and Pairett noted that the state's inspection regime requires the State Fire Marshal to inspect stands while the Gallup Fire Department also participates. The presentation was framed as preparatory; no restriction or proclamation was adopted at the March 24 meeting. The Council did not vote on fireworks restrictions at this session.