Churchill County Sheriff Richard Hickox has released a statement on Facebook to clarify the legality of fireworks.
Hickox said Nevada law sets some guidelines for the regulation of as well as the penalties for violation of the laws, but the state leaves it up to each county government to further define the guidelines for the county. He said the local is defined in County Code 9.08 and is titled “Fireworks.”
County Code 9.08 states that it is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association to sell, barter, trade or otherwise dispose of or to use, employ, set off or detonate any fireworks. Hickox said the code gives several exceptions such as to agricultur, and organized displays that have prior approval of the Fallon-Churchill Volunteer Fire Department’s fire chief and the Churchill County commissioners. Hickox said these displays must be for the community’s benefit.
Hickox pointed out backyard displays of fireworks are illegal and the person setting them off can be held criminally and civilly liable and also responsible for the damages that could occur such as fire
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Hickox also addressed the effects of fireworks on pets and loved ones. He said now is the time to make plans for pets and loved ones that are frightened or become upset by the sounds of fireworks.
The sheriff said Churchill County and the city of Fallon put on a great display of fireworks every year near dusk.
“If you have not seen it, I would highly recommend it,” he said. “Sounds travel a great distance in our clear Nevada air and the loud booms, pops, ooohs and awws from the fireworks and spectators can be heard a great distance away.”
Hickox said to protect loved ones, people can buy noise-cancelling headphones, turn up music or put on a movie that helps overpower the noise created by the fireworks. For the pets, Hickox said make sure they are secured in a kennel or crate that they will not hurt them, turn on some music or put a blanket on their crate to muffle the sounds.
“Every year we receive or hear about lost dogs and scared family members as a result of the festivities, we are asking for your help to try and minimize these calls,” he said. “Take a few minutes now and plan so that your loved ones can enjoy the evening.”