Lea bans fireworks sales, use in county Curtis C. Wynne/News-Sun LOVINGTON — While hoping and praying for more rain, Lea County commissioners on Thursday banned sale and use of fireworks due to extreme and severe drought conditions. With a proclamation imposed only in the unincorporated portions of the county, the elected board joined the cities of Lovington and Hobbs which …

LOVINGTON — Lea County Commissioners declared an emergency fire ban Thursday, May 12. With exceptions, the ban prohibits smoking, fireworks, campfires and open burning of any kind. By resolution set to expire in 30 days, commissioners agreed to follow prohibitions established last month by state and federal agencies. The ban will be extended, if necessary, they said. More than 30,000 …