Authorities: Buddhist monks set off illegal fireworks while Albuquerque under fire danger

Published January 08, 2015

They'll likely be mindful of any future fireworks ban.

Albuquerque authorities say, among the more than a dozen citations for illegal fireworks handed out July 4th, one was given to a group of Buddhist monks, KRQE-TV reports (http://goo.gl/ikB3oK).

Albuquerque Fire Department inspector Darrick Pino said the citation was written after authorities stumbled upon an audience watching a fireworks show from the Hoi Phuoc Buddhist Temple.

The monks were setting off a treasure trove of illegal fireworks, including Roman candles and mortars, Pino said.

Albuquerque was under fireworks restrictions due to high fire danger.

A woman with the temple told authorities the monks don't watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers. She said the monks didn't know there was a fireworks ban.

"It's still your responsibility to know the laws of the land," Pino said.

The citations can carry a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail.

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