Governor Susana Martinez said in a letter Tuesday that restrictions on fireworks are needed because of the state's drought and high winds. The state also is fighting two raging wildfires caused by lightning.
State law allows local jurisdictions the power to restrict the use of fireworks and to ban certain fireworks during droughts. However, local officials must hold a public hearing and issue a proclamation for a ban at least 20 days before a holiday for which fireworks can be sold.
The governor has twice tried and failed to pass a state law aimed at easing the process for cities, counties and the state to ban fireworks during extreme drought.