Info about Hobbs’ Independence Day fireworks display and safe zones
For the News-Sun
The City of Hobbs will host its annual Independence Day fireworks display July 1 at the Hobbs Industrial Air Park, located at 5425 Jack Gomez Blvd.
Contests, games, vendors and more viewing areas will be available at Harry McAdams Park with gates opening for parking at 7 p.m. the day of the event.
Additionally, the City of Hobbs will host the “Safe Zone” at the HIAP July 2-4. The safe zone is an opportunity for those present to light any type of firework regardless of whether they are legal within Hobbs city limits.
This is an opportunity for everyone to indulge, and safely enjoy this time of year. The area will be monitored by City of Hobbs personnel, including members of the fire and police departments.
Why July 1?
The City of Hobbs cited a common nationwide shortage of pyrotechnicians to safely work fireworks displays, thus requiring communities to be flexible with the date of their Independence Day displays. While this is not the traditional date, the city hopes all understand and enjoy another occasion to celebrate our patriotism.
To make this year’s event run smoothly, staff from the multiple Hobbs city departments have planned and will coordinate this event, including police, fire, parks and open spaces, traffic, streets, communications and recreation departments.
2023 FIREWORKS HOTLINE
For anyone wishing to report fireworks being lit and exploded in a neighborhood or on a city street, the Lea County Fireworks Hotlines has been set up to call instead of 9-1-1 to avoid tying up the limited number of emergency 9-1-1 dispatcher lines. Those hotline numbers are:
• 575-433-5004
• 575-433-5003
• 575-433-5001
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS DISPLAY EVENT SCHEDULE AND RULES
(The order of events is accurate. All details are subject to change.)
• HIAP gates open at 7 p.m. — the middle entrance will be quick access for handicap parking spaces
• Movies Under the Stars will begin at sundown, and will be Top Gun: Maverick
• The fireworks show will occur during an intermission of Movies Under the Stars and will last approximately 20 minutes
• The public is not permitted to light fireworks of any kind at the location during the event
• “No Parking” signs will be placed in designated areas, and will be enforced
• Police personnel will be present to assist in directing traffic in and out of the area
• Please be sure to take care of belongings and throw away all trash in proper receptacles
• No alcohol will be allowed
• Any behavior deemed inappropriate or disrespectful to others present may result in the offender(s) being asked to leave to maintain the health and safety of all
SAFE ZONE at HIAP July 2-4
• The safe zone will be open 8–11 p.m., July 2-4
• Gates will be locked outside of these hours
• Fireworks of all kind and sizes will be allowed regardless if they are legal within Hobbs city limits; no other types of explosive items will be allowed to be lit or blown up
• Participants are expected to dispose of trash appropriately and to leave the area clean without debris
• The area will be monitored by city personnel
• No alcohol will be allowed
• Any behavior deemed inappropriate or disrespectful to others present may result in the offender(s) being asked to leave to maintain the health and safety of all
It is important to note fireworks purchased outside of Hobbs city limits may be prohibited within the city of Hobbs and may result in citations or fines if possessed or discharged within city limits — outside of the safe zone. The regulations applicable to Lea County limits now align with those of the City of Hobbs, ensuring consistency in these laws.
It is advised to possess and discharge fireworks in the locale where they were purchased.
Lastly, the City of Hobbs reminds residents and visitors the majority of Lea and Gaines Counties are in a state of severe to moderate drought status per the National Drought Mitigation Center, causing most of these communities to place fireworks bans or restrictions.
While current weather conditions make it easy for wildfires to quickly spread, many behaviors and activities around this holiday place life and property at risk in cities as well.
More than a quarter of fires reported around the July 4 holiday are caused by fireworks, showing proper cautions were not taken and users’ behaviors were not safe. Do not make yourself or loved ones a statistic.
“It is the responsibility of us all to keep healthy, well-maintained properties and to monitor each other’s activities for a safer community,” a release from the city stated. “We all intend to have a safe and fun Independence Day celebration, which means we need to look out for each other. Help to inform your friends and family of these tips and information as our country’s birthday quickly approaches.”
For more information on fireworks and fireworks safety, call the Hobbs Fire Department at 575-391-8158 or message on social media accounts.
