Total fireworks ban elusive, chief says

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Why doesn't New Mexico have a ban on fireworks during one of the worst fire seasons ever?

State and local government leaders say they have implemented every fire restriction possible, but state law doesn't allow a complete ban.

That has leaders in the firefighting community frustrated and saying the law puts the community in danger.

"It just takes that one bottle rocket, that one match, to take out an entire community," Bernalillo Fire Chief John Garcia said.  For years firefighters have been urging state lawmakers to toughen laws regarding fireworks, he added.

Garcia said the fireworks industry has major clout in Santa Fe, so firefighters have never been able to get tougher laws passed.

A spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez said she will support tougher fireworks legislation when lawmakers meet next January.