Gov. urges vote on firework ban

Associated Press

Updated: Jun 13, 2012 11:03 AM

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Susana Martinez is urging city and county governments to hold emergency hearings on local fireworks bans.

Martinez said in a letter Tuesday that restrictions on fireworks are need because of the state's drought and high winds. The state also is fighting two raging wildfires caused by lightning.

State law allows local jurisdictions the power to restrict the use of fireworks and to ban certain fireworks during droughts. However, local officials must hold a public hearing and issue a proclamation for a ban at least 20 days before a holiday for which fireworks can be sold.

The governor has twice tried and failed to pass a state law aimed at allowing for cities, counties and the state to easier ban fireworks during extreme drought.

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