City of Las Vegas Fire Department

08/28/2026

The Las Vegas Fire Department is currently conducting active fire operations at a structure fire in the 1500 block of South Gonzales Street.

Please avoid the area and allow emergency crews the space needed to safely conduct operations.

Traffic control measures are in place, and motorists should expect delays. Please use alternate routes whenever possible and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

07/04/2026

At approximately 6:55 p.m. this evening, the Las Vegas Fire Department responded to a small fire on the south side of the Gallinas River Bridge near Bridge Street.

Fire crews arrived quickly and contained the fire to an area of approximately 2 by 2 feet before it could spread.

At this time, the fire is not believed to have been caused by fireworks. The preliminary cause is believed to be the improper disposal of a cigarette.

With current hot, dry, and windy conditions, even a small spark can quickly start a dangerous fire. The Las Vegas Fire Department reminds everyone to properly dispose of ci******es and use caution with anything that could create a spark.

Quick reporting is critical. If you see a fire, call 911 immediately. To report suspicious activity or non-emergency concerns, contact Las Vegas Police Department Dispatch at (505) 425-7504. Please remain vigilant and avoid anything that could create a spark. With current hot, dry conditions, even a discarded cigarette can quickly start a dangerous fire.

07/03/2026

🔥Brush Fire Near Mora Street Started by Aerial Firework

At approximately 9:11 p.m. this evening, the Las Vegas Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the Mora Street area that was determined to have been caused by an illegal aerial firework.

The fire started in a small vacant lot surrounded by homes and was quickly extinguished before it could spread. Thanks to vigilant neighbors who reported the fire immediately and the rapid response of firefighters, what could have become a devastating neighborhood fire was prevented. Although the fire was determined to have been caused by an illegal aerial firework, the exact location from which it was launched could not be determined.

“This could have ended very differently,” said Fire Chief Steven Spann. “One illegal aerial firework is all it takes to put lives, homes, and our community at risk. Together, we can make this Fourth of July a safe one by leaving illegal fireworks behind and celebrating responsibly.”

There will be ZERO tolerance. There will be NO warnings.

Fire and law enforcement personnel will continue proactive patrols throughout the holiday. Anyone found possessing or using illegal fireworks within the City of Las Vegas will receive immediate citations, and illegal fireworks will be confiscated.

If you witness illegal fireworks, call Las Vegas Police Dispatch at (505) 425-7504 immediately. If you see smoke, flames, or an active fire, call 911.

07/02/2026

One illegal firework is all it takes.

One spark can ignite dry grass, threaten homes, put first responders in danger, and jeopardize everything our community has worked so hard to protect since the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.

This Independence Day, the City of Las Vegas asks you to make the safe choice and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Join us for the City of Las Vegas Professional Fireworks Display at the New Mexico Highlands University Gene Torres Golf Course on Saturday, July 4, at dusk.

Our fireworks show is carefully planned by licensed pyrotechnicians and supported by firefighters and emergency personnel. The launch site is prepared well in advance to reduce fire risk, equipment is staged for safety, and weather conditions are monitored before and throughout the event.

That is the difference a professional display makes. You can still experience the excitement and tradition of fireworks while knowing every reasonable precaution has been taken to protect our community.

The City of Las Vegas continues to experience severe drought and an elevated wildfire risk. That is why aerial fireworks and ground-audible fireworks remain prohibited within city limits under City Ordinance No. 238. Open burning is also prohibited year-round.

Throughout the holiday weekend, City staff, firefighters, and law enforcement officers will be actively enforcing these laws. There will be no warnings for illegal fireworks. Violations may result in citations.

Celebrate with your family. Celebrate with your neighbors. Celebrate safely. Watch the professionals light up the sky and help us protect the place we all call home.

07/01/2026

‼️We’ve Been Getting a Lot of Questions About Fireworks... Here’s What You Need to Know.‼️

As we head into the Fourth of July, we've received many questions about reporting illegal fireworks and when to call law enforcement.

🔴Call 9-1-1 ONLY if there's an emergency—such as a fire, someone is injured, or there's an immediate danger to people or property.

🔵If you're reporting illegal fireworks or a fireworks ordinance violation, DO NOT call 911. Instead, contact Las Vegas Police Dispatch by calling 505-425-7504, Option 1.

When you call, please provide the exact address or nearest intersection whenever possible. Illegal fireworks can be difficult to locate because they're often discharged for only a few seconds before those responsible leave the area. The more accurate the location, the better chance officers and firefighters have of locating the violation and taking enforcement action.

The City of Las Vegas enforces its fireworks ordinance year-round, and enforcement will be significantly increased throughout the Independence Day holiday. There will be no warnings for prohibited fireworks. Violators are subject to citation and penalties of up to a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, under City Ordinance No. 238.

Thank you for helping the Las Vegas Police Department and Las Vegas Fire Department protect our community, reduce wildfire risk, and keep everyone safe this Fourth of July.

06/30/2026

City of Las Vegas Announces Zero-Tolerance Fireworks Enforcement

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Public safety remains the City of Las Vegas' highest priority as residents and visitors prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July. With severe drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfire, the City is taking a firm stance on illegal fireworks. Residents and visitors are expected to comply with all local fireworks laws, and violations will be met with strict enforcement.

According to the NOAA National Integrated Drought Information System, San Miguel County, including the City of Las Vegas, is currently experiencing D2 – Severe Drought conditions. The City of Las Vegas is also under Stage 2 Water Restrictions, requiring increased water conservation due to limited water supplies.

With extremely dry grasses and vegetation throughout the area, a single illegal firework can quickly start a wildfire. These conditions leave no room for complacency. Residents are expected to comply with all City fireworks regulations. Illegal fireworks put lives, property, and first responders at risk and will be enforced accordingly.

The City of Las Vegas Fireworks Ordinance (City Code Chapter 238) is one of the most restrictive in New Mexico (See attached graphic). Pursuant to the New Mexico Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act (NMSA 1978, Sections 60-2C-1 through 60-2C-11), municipalities are authorized under Section 60-2C-7(C) to prohibit aerial fireworks and ground audible devices by local ordinance.

The following fireworks are prohibited within the City of Las Vegas:
•Aerial fireworks, including bottle rockets, Roman candles, missiles, helicopters, reloadable mortars, aerial shells, mines, and any device designed to launch into the air.
•Ground audible devices, including firecrackers, chasers, and any fireworks that produce loud explosive reports.

The sale of these prohibited fireworks is also illegal within city limits. In addition, open burning is prohibited year-round under City Code Chapter 154 to help reduce the risk of preventable fires.

Residents should be aware that fireworks prohibited within the City of Las Vegas may still be legally sold in the unincorporated areas of San Miguel County and elsewhere in New Mexico where local ordinances permit their sale. However, purchasing these fireworks outside city limits does not make them legal to possess or use within the City of Las Vegas.

The City will maintain zero-tolerance enforcement throughout the Independence Day holiday. The Las Vegas Police Department, Las Vegas Fire Department, and Code Enforcement Division will actively patrol and enforce City Code Chapter 238.

Individuals found using or possessing prohibited fireworks within city limits will be cited, and illegal fireworks will be confiscated. Violators may face fines of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both, as authorized by City Code Chapter 238. Anyone responsible for starting a fire may also be held financially responsible for fire suppression costs, property damage, restitution, and any additional civil or criminal penalties authorized under New Mexico law.

The City needs the public's help in identifying and reporting illegal fireworks. Because fireworks are often discharged in multiple locations across the community, it can be difficult for officers to pinpoint the exact source of the activity. Prompt and accurate reports from residents help law enforcement respond more quickly and effectively. Anyone who witnesses the use of illegal fireworks within the City of Las Vegas is encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Police Department Non-Emergency Dispatch at (505) 425-7504, Option 1. Call 9-1-1 only to report an active fire or another life-threatening emergency.

Rather than risking a citation or causing a wildfire, the City encourages everyone to attend the professional Fourth of July fireworks display on Saturday, July 4, at dusk at the NMHU Golf Course. The show will be conducted by a licensed professional fireworks company in a carefully planned and controlled environment with firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and other public safety personnel on site.

"Our community's safety comes first," said Fire Chief Steven Spann. "There will be no warnings for illegal fireworks this holiday. If you choose to violate the ordinance, you should expect to be cited. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely by attending the City's professional fireworks display and helping us protect our community."

"We all enjoy celebrating the Fourth of July, but no celebration is worth putting lives or homes at risk," said Police Chief Caleb Marquez. "Help us protect our community by following the law, making smart decisions, and leaving the fireworks to the professionals whenever possible."

While the City discourages the use of fireworks due to current drought and fire conditions, residents choosing to use allowable fireworks should do so responsibly. Use fireworks only on a non-combustible surface away from dry grass, brush, vehicles, and structures. Keep a bucket of water nearby and use it wisely, as the City is currently under Stage 2 Water Restrictions. Under the New Mexico Fireworks Licensing and Safety Act (NMSA 1978, Chapter 60, Article 2C), only individuals 16 years of age or older may use fireworks. Never use fireworks while intoxicated, discharge fireworks from or at a motor vehicle, or relight a malfunctioning firework. Completely soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them. If a fire starts, call 911 immediately.

The City of Las Vegas thanks residents and visitors for their cooperation in helping prevent fires and ensuring a safe Independence Day for everyone.

05/24/2026

Watch the highlights from the 2026 Las Vegas Firefighter Badge Pinning Ceremony, held May 22.

Congratulations to our six newest Firefighters and EMTs:

🔥 Firefighter Michael Rutherford #44
🔥 Firefighter Diego Chavez #47
🔥 Firefighter Luke Ortiz #52
🔥 Firefighter Marcus Rasco #53
🔥 Firefighter William Mears #42
🔥 Firefighter Hunter Watts #51

Six individuals answered a calling greater than themselves. The badge placed on their chest represents courage, sacrifice, honor, and the promise to protect others during their hardest moments.

Your department is proud. Your families stand behind you. Your community is counting on you.

Welcome to the LVFD brotherhood and welcome to the best job in the world.

05/23/2026

Thank you for answering the call and choosing the Las Vegas Fire Department. We proudly salute six newly certified firefighters as they join the LVFD brotherhood.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it when others cannot.”

Serve with pride, honor, and heart every time the tones drop. Welcome to the best job in the world.

05/05/2026

Storm season is here 🌧️⚡ and now is the time to get prepared.

Create or update your Community Connect profile today to help first responders better assist you during an emergency at your home or business.

Community Connect is a secure, voluntary tool that lets you share important information ahead of time like emergency contacts, medical needs, pets, gate codes, or utility shutoffs. When you call 911, responders can access this information right away, helping them respond faster and more effectively.

Monsoon season is coming up, bringing the potential for heavy rain, flooding, lightning, and power outages. But emergencies can happen at any time. By taking a few minutes to complete your profile now, you’re helping us better protect you, your family, and your property when every second counts. This is a free service available for both residents and businesses in the City of Las Vegas.

At any time you need us, it helps us help you.

https://www.communityconnect.io/info/nm-cityoflasvegas

Find out more about City of Las Vegas Community Connect, brought to you by the City of Las Vegas Fire Department. Together, Building a Safer Community Through Prevention, Preparedness & Response.

05/05/2026

Las Vegas Fire Department Welcomes New Life on a Snowy Night

The call came in like any other. Station 1 had been quiet that evening, the kind of slow, snowy shift where the weather keeps most people inside and the radios mostly still. Then the tones dropped. Dispatch reported a “water break.” It sounded routine enough—possibly a water pipe, maybe weather-related. The crew started thinking through the usual scenarios as they rolled out into the snow.

But on the way, the details changed. This wasn’t a water pipe break. It was a mother in active labor. By the time Blue Team pulled up to the house—just four minutes after the call—it was clear they weren’t going anywhere else. There would be no transport, no time to load up and head to the hospital. The baby was coming, right then and there.

Inside, things moved quickly. The crew shifted gears without hesitation. Training kicked in, each person falling into a role. They worked alongside AMR, focusing on keeping the situation controlled and as calm as possible for the family. There wasn’t much room for over thinking. The situation was straightforward: support mom, monitor the baby, and be ready. Within minutes, the delivery was underway.

“There wasn’t time to over think anything,” said Firefighter Matthew Freeman. “You just fall back on your training and your team. One moment you’re thinking you’re heading to a routine call, and the next you’re helping deliver a baby in someone’s home while it’s snowing outside.”

Freeman noted the experience carried a surreal sense of timing, having recently completed his Pediatric Block Exam just days earlier. “It was strange in the best way,” he said. “Everything I had just studied was suddenly right in front of me. It felt like everything lined up exactly when it needed to.”

The mother was supported through delivery by responding crews, with her partner remaining by her side throughout the process. Responders provided continuous reassurance and medical assistance as the situation progressed. Within minutes of arrival, the baby was delivered successfully. A healthy baby boy, born several weeks ahead of schedule, entered the world under the care of first responders on a snowy Las Vegas night.

Then came the first cry.

Freeman described the moment as unforgettable. “It was an amazing experience, a moment I will never forget,” said Freeman. “Mom was a champ and Dad did great. Getting the baby stimulated and hearing its first cry, there is no better sound in the world. I still can’t believe it happened. It feels like a dream.”

Fire Chief Steven Spann praised the crew for their composure, professionalism, and ability to adapt in an unpredictable situation. “This is what being a firefighter all is about,” said Chief Spann. “It isn’t always about fires. We show up when someone needs us the most, whether it is the scariest or most special times of your life. There is no better feeling than knowing you did your job well and made a difference.”

Chief Spann also reflected on the symbolic timing of the event for the department. “Just hours before the baby was born, Captain Daniel Atencio had his last ride as he entered into retirement,” Spann said. “What better way to celebrate than helping bring a new life into the world.”

For the crew of Station 1, the call stands as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergency service—and the moments of life that can emerge from it. For Freeman, the memory remains vivid and unchanged. “It still doesn’t feel real,” he said. “But it is.”

***Although this call happened last week, sharing it on International Firefighters’ Day feels meaningful because it reflects exactly what this day stands for—service, compassion, and being there in life’s most defining moments. From honoring a firefighter’s career to helping welcome a new baby into the world, it’s a reminder that this job is about people, and about showing up when it matters most. Honoring ours and others—today we recognize and thank the firefighters who serve our community and those around the world. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting lives and property do not go unnoticed.

-Firefighter Matthew Freeman (center) joins fellow first responders earlier in the evening during a gathering honoring Captain Daniel Atencio as he entered retirement from the Las Vegas Fire Department.