Fireworks spark brush fires at Balloon Fiesta Park

July 05, 2011

New Mexicans have been warned over and over again not to light fireworks because of extremely dry conditions. New Mexico's governor even urged people to attend public fireworks displays because of the severe fire threat. Tens of thousands of people in Albuquerque saw the danger first hand last night during the city of Albuquerque's Fourth of July fireworks show. AFD confirmed three small spot fires were caused by sparks from where the fireworks were being lit. The fires broke out on the north end of the Balloon Fiesta Park. A KOB photographer shooting the fireworks shot the flames, which startled some people. Some told our crew, at first, they though the fire was part of the show. Fireworks continued as the fires burned. They were eventually put out. Nobody was hurt and only brush burned. Police on scene told us one of the north gates was closed because of the fire and some people had to wait even longer to leave the park. Some New Mexico towns cancelled their public displays because of fire concerns.