Report: Buddhist monks set off illegal fireworks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — 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.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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