Fireworks vendors hope to cash in on 4th

The whine of the Roman candles and the pop of firecrackers are already in the night air.

“We want everyone to use caution and to have a safe Fourth of July,” said Tucumcari Fire Chief Mike Cherry.

Vendors occupational licenses have been checked and verified, Cherry said.

Although there has been rain, Cherry recommended caution when firing off Roman candles and bottlerockets because of the potential fire hazard.
Rick Spofford, manager of the TNT fireworks stand at Alco, said he is looking forward to the holiday.

“Our biggest sellers right now are smoke bombs and firecrackers,” Spofford said.

This is his first year to operate a fireworks stand and Spofford said he hopes to gross over $15,000. “We made $1,400 in just the last two days,” helper Dakota O’Neal said.

Matthew Johns at the fireworks stand at the Mesa Motors building agreed: “Business is picking up.”

Safety tips from the Tucumcari Fire Department.

l Always purchase fireworks from reliable sources
l Follow label directions carefully and use common sense
l A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks activities.
l Never give fireworks to young children
l Never point or throw fireworks at another person
l Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles
l Never shoot fireworks toward vehicles
l Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or
glass containers
l Light one item at a time then move back quickly
l Don’t experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
l Always have water handy
l Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
l Dispose of properly