Yes, it's lots of fun to play with fireworks, wave sparklers around, shoot off bottle rockets and such. Where I came from you could do all of this and more, and we did. I don't recall setting any fires, but maybe that was because things were damp and green.

Around here, though, things are real dry and brown, and should not be mixed with fireworks. How dry? A few days ago a guy playing golf started a brush fire just by sparking his swing off a rock. That's dry.

Fireworks (even the mere possession thereof) are illegal in these parts, including federally managed lands. Save yourself a hefty fine and don't risk burning down someone's house; get your fireworks fix by attending one of the sponsored shows. They are lots better than anything you can buy anyway.

Here's what the Reno fire marshall has to say:

Reno Fire Marshal Bill Burney today warned area residents not to purchase fireworks in other jurisdictions and bring them back to Reno or the unincorporated areas of Washoe County. "While it may be legal to purchase fireworks in some locations outside of Washoe County," Burney said, "it is illegal to possess or use fireworks and or pyrotechnics within the Reno City limits and in the unincorporated areas of Washoe County." Burney said that illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000.00 and or up to six months in jail for each offense. The laws also provide for seizure and forfeiture of all such materials from individuals by law enforcement. Burney says the cost of violating the fireworks prohibitions can even be more when fireworks result in fires. "The higher cost of illegally using fireworks is often the result of potential civil liability from innocent victims who suffer property damage, injury or death resulting from those fires."

Burney says all fireworks are prohibited including, but not limited to non-detonating military devices such as large flares, certain propellants, specialty fireworks and larger devices used in public displays, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets and similar materials that contain any explosive or combustible compound.

Those with fireworks in their possession or who find fireworks can turn them in to the Reno Fire Department at the corner of Evans Avenue and Second Street with no questions asked, Burney said.

Burney says the safest way for area residents to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July is to watch the commercial fireworks display in Reno that is allowed by permit issued through the Reno Fire Department. "These displays are safe, spectacular and a great way to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday," he said.

Burney said the potential for a fire to start from fireworks, even sparklers that can reach temperatures of 1,000-1,800 degrees is extremely high. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an estimated 1,500 structure fires and 600 vehicle fires were reported to fire departments in 2004 resulting in approximately $21 million in direct property damage.

In addition to the potential of setting fires, Burney says fireworks pose an extreme hazard to individuals. Nearly half of the injuries sustained by individuals using fireworks are to the extremities, he points out, and almost half to the head including eye injuries and loss of sight.

Burney said area residents with questions about fireworks prohibitions or seeking more information about fire safety in their home or business should contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300.