Albuquerque joins others to use app to spot banned fireworks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s largest city is joining a growing number of communities asking residents to use an app to report illegal fireworks on July 4th instead of calling 911.

KOB-TV reports city officials are directing residents to the “OneABQ” app so authorities can streamline complaints instead of dispatching first responders.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue spokesman Tom Ruiz says the app sends notices to fire enforcement units when a complaint is made instead of sending first responders going to 911 calls.

Officials say last year, when the app was used for the first time, 911 calls reporting illegal fireworks fell by 80% from the year before.

Three years ago, firefighting agencies from the Sacramento, California, area launched the “Nail ‘Em” app to encourage residents to report illegal fireworks sales.

Las Vegas residents are encouraged to report illegal firework usage through a website.

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Information from: KOB-TV, http://www.kob.com