Graduation fireworks set off brush fire

TEMPE, Ariz. -- A fireworks show during Arizona State University's graduation ceremonies touched off a small brush fire on Hayden Butte near Sun Devil Stadium Thursday night.

The Tempe Fire Department responded and doused the flames.

"This was a professional shoot," said Tempe Fire's Mike Reichling. "They have fire extinguishers up there, but the fire got down on the side of the mountain where even the fireworks operators couldn't get to it, so we had to have our firefighters actually climb the mountain."

Reichling said the incident shows how dangerous fireworks are in a state that is bone dry and facing a serious fire season.

"The dry conditions we have right now are very, very dangerous when it comes down to all the situations we have around the state. We're in a red flag warning and it's a very, very bad situation this year."

Some types of fireworks are legally sold in Arizona, although most cities have banned their use.