VIDEO/PHOTOS: Emergency responders across Southern Nevada were kept busy over the Fourth of July weekend, tackling a surge in fireworks-related incidents. Authorities issued 149 citations for fireworks offenses, according to data from Las Vegas Metro Police. The “You Light It, We Write It” campaign, a collaborative effort including Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, North Las Vegas Fire, and Clark County Fire, led to the confiscation of nearly 9,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. Las Vegas Fire and Rescue reported treating two burn injuries and responding to 116 outside fires and seven building fires. Clark County Fire crews were also engaged in battling the Trout Canyon Fire, in addition to their Fourth of July duties.
Deputy Chief Jose Hernandez of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department emphasized the campaign’s focus on addressing illegal fireworks, violent crime, and increasing fatalities in the area. “Tonight’s efforts were to address both the illegal fireworks, to address violent crime and to also address the number of increasing fatalities in our valley,” Hernandez said. Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada, noted the busy weekend for her team, which responded to approximately 12 home fires, some suspected to be fireworks-related. “We did see some where fireworks were suspected so we cannot rule that out and so that is something we always want to make sure that we are cautious about,” Flanigan said.
