RPD NEWS RELEASE
The 4th of July celebrations are sure to be coming, and the Reno Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the citizens of Reno that all fireworks are considered illegal within the city limits. Reno Municipal Code 16.02.030 covers the possession and use of fireworks and pyrotechnics within the city. If cited, a penalty of up to $637.00 can be imposed. This law does not prohibit the commercial display of fireworks, with a permit, such as displays for New Year’s Eve celebrations or those often seen at the Reno Aces ballpark.
The Consolidated Bomb Squad, comprising members from the Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, are responsible for the collection and eventual destruction of fireworks and pyrotechnics that are seized or collected in this area. Methods of destruction vary but generally consist of a controlled burn of the items within an approved container, or if the pyrotechnic is large, the use of explosives.
The Consolidated Bomb Squad would like to remind citizens that homemade and/or altered fireworks can be extremely dangerous and should never be used.
Police officers can take smaller fireworks from any citizen that would like to have the items destroyed. If there are a large amount of items, or the items themselves are of the commercial variety (the type used by licensed pyrotechnicians), homemade or altered in any way, please stay away and notify the Police Department. Appropriate measures will be taken to make sure the items are removed safely. Requests for removal can be made through the non emergency number for the Reno Police Department, which is 775-334-2121 or 775-334-2677.
