People are expected to crowd the beaches at Pyramid Lake this Fourth of July weekend. One of many reasons people go there, is because fireworks are legal to purchase year round.
Only fireworks purchased at three specific locations are permitted for use at Pyramid Lake and in five designated beaches only. Fireworks are available for purchase at the following locations: I-80 Smokeshop, the Nixon Store, and the Marina. Fireworks are only permitted to be fired at the following beaches: Blockhouse, Rawhide, Sandhole, Wino Beach, and Indian Head.
Those purchasing fireworks must be over the age of 18 and provide a valid ID.
Local fire officials are urging people to be extra cautious when they are dealing with fireworks.
"We don't want people to get burned. " said Don Pelt, Pyramid Lake Fire and Rescue's Emergency Response Coordinator. "We've had a couple of injuries, minor. It's usually from someone that puts a firework in upside down and then after it's lit, tries to recover it. Or it didn't fire right away, and they try to see what the problem is."
Pelt says if that happens leave it alone or call the fire department if you need help.
Residents in the area are also asking people recreating on the lake to respect the land by properly extinguishing fireworks. It can be dumped in water and thrown out.
During the Fourth of July weekend, Pelt said the fire department, police department and other first responders will be available to make sure people are safe. Agencies will be fully staffed.
"It's not only for the Fourth of July fireworks, but it's a long weekend for people to go camping and boating and things like that." Pelt said. "We want you to come to the lake. We want you to enjoy the lake, but we want you to be safe at the lake."
Fireworks are legal and for sale year round in the Pyramid Lake area. It is illegal in many Northern Nevada counties, including Washoe County, Lyon County, Storey County and Carson City.
If a person is caught with fireworks where it is illegal, they can face a fine of about $6,000 and jail time.
