Sandoval County cities plan Fourth of July events amid firework bans
Corrales has banned all fireworks, while Bernalillo and Rio Rancho will keep July 4 events on the calendar under stricter safe-and-sane rules.
Sandoval County’s Fourth of July calendar is filling up, but the rules around flames are narrowing fast. Corrales, Bernalillo and Rio Rancho are still planning public celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday, yet each town is drawing a different line on fireworks as drought and wildfire danger deepen across New Mexico.
At the state level, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order 2026-026 declared drought and severe fire conditions throughout New Mexico, saying the winter of 2025-2026 brought the lowest snowpack, highest temperatures and lowest runoff levels in recorded history. The order said 94% of New Mexico is experiencing drought and urged counties, municipalities and local governments to adopt water restrictions and firework bans. The State of New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Forestry Division also imposed statewide fire restrictions as of April 6, 2026, prohibiting fireworks, smoking, campfires and open burning on non-municipal, non-federal and non-Tribal lands. Public fireworks displays still require approval from local fire departments.
Corrales has taken the hardest local line. The Village of Corrales adopted Resolution No. 26-28 on May 26, 2026, declaring an emergency and prohibiting the sale or use of fireworks in the village during continuing drought conditions. The village’s fireworks guidance says fireworks are never allowed in the Bosque. Even so, Corrales will still hold its annual parade at 10 a.m. on Corrales Road, a tradition that has included animals, pets, vehicles and historical displays in past years.
Bernalillo and Rio Rancho are keeping their celebrations alive, but with limits. Bernalillo’s annual 4th of July Mayor’s Benefit is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rotary Park, with a splash fest, water balloons and other kid-friendly activities, and no fireworks display planned. Rio Rancho’s biggest holiday event is set for 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Campus Park, with a parade, the New Mexico Philharmonic, food trucks and fireworks. The city code allows only state-permitted safe and sane fireworks, and it authorizes seizure of noncomplying fireworks offered for sale or stored in violation of the chapter.
Sandoval County’s open-burning guidance points residents to the statewide fire restrictions in effect as of April 6, 2026, underscoring how local holiday plans now sit inside a much wider wildfire response. The holiday weekend will go on, but in Sandoval County the sharpest divide is clear: Corrales is shutting fireworks down entirely, Bernalillo is leaning into a water-heavy family event, and Rio Rancho is trying to keep a larger show alive without crossing the safety line.
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