Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, but officials want to remind people that possessing and using them in Washoe County is illegal without a permit. 

While it may be legal to purchase fireworks in some locations outside of Washoe County and on Tribal Lands, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, store, sell or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics within the TMFR, which includes the unincorporated areas of the County. According to TMFR, illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail for each offense.

Officials say they're concerned that more people will turn to illegal fireworks with events being canceled during the pandemic. Officials want to remind people that not only are they illegal, it's dangerous.

"We're extremely concerned that the use of fireworks as an alternative to seeing some displays or fireworks we normally see, like the professional displays, are going to lead to a significant wildfire danger.

If you happen to have some fireworks and would like to get rid of them in a safe and sane manner, the Reno Fire Department has an amnesty program whereby you can turn them in to a fire station, police station or the sheriff's office - no questions asked. For more information, contact Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue at (775) 326-6000 or visit www.washoecounty.us/tmfpd.

Officials say it's also important to recreate responsible during the holiday weekend.

The BLM, USFS and The Sierra Fire Protection District with NDF prohibit fire outside of a designated camp ground, smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or designated camp ground, welding or using open flames in construction, the use of tracer rounds, steel-core ammunition, or exploding targets.