BOULDER CITY – This week, a wildfire damaged over 100 acres of wetlands in neighboring Henderson. The magnitude of this fire reminds us that Southern Nevada is not immune from fire hazards. Boulder City adheres to the Clark County ordinance: only “safe and sane” fireworks are legal, and only from June 28-July 4. Safe and sane fireworks do not shoot into the air and/or explode.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that fireworks start an average of 19,500 fires per year and send thousands of people to the hospital. “Children should always be supervised by an adult when using fireworks,” said Acting Boulder City Fire Chief Greg Chesser. “More than one-third of fireworks injuries happen to kids under age 15. Even sparklers can burn at temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees, which can severely burn skin and even melt some metals.”
Be considerate to your neighbors, as loud noises and flashes associated with fireworks can cause stress, especially for veterans. The noises also frighten many pets: the Boulder City Animal Shelter sees an influx of pets who run off because of the noise.
“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend fireworks displays put on by trained professionals,” Acting Chief Chesser added. Our favorite option is Damboree, a family friendly, fun-filled Fourth of July celebration! Events include:
- The Rotary Club of Boulder City Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m.–9 a.m. in Bicentennial Park, 1100 Colorado St.
- The Damboree Parade at 9:00 a.m., starting at Colorado and Nevada Way going south and ending at Broadbent Park, 1301 5th St. Route details and updated rules at www.bcnv.org/damboree.
- Non-profit vendors provide food, beverages and beer for purchase after the parade at Broadbent Park.
- Annual Coin Toss for kids at the Boulder City pool at 11 a.m. (admission: kids $2, adults $3).
- Parks and Recreation provides lawn games for kids in Broadbent Park at 12 noon.
- Festivities at Veteran's Memorial Park, 1650 Buchanan Blvd. from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Food and music are available, and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Entry is $20 per vehicle.
As a reminder, the Eldorado Valley Dry Lake Bed Recreation Area is closed to the public every year from July 3 until July 5. Use of illegal fireworks there created public safety and emergency response challenges for City police and fire departments. The closure prevents gatherings, littering and degradation that has occurred there in the past.
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