Fireworks season begins in Arizona, but firefighters urge caution

PHOENIX — As fireworks season begins in Arizona on Monday and runs through July 6, firefighters are reminding people to use them wisely.

Permissible fireworks during the nearly two-week period include “cylindrical and cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers (and) ground sparkling devices,” according to the city’s website.

Aerial fireworks like sky rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles are still prohibited by state law. Others like sparklers, smoker devices, party poppers and drop pops are permitted year-round.

Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade told KTAR News 92.3 FM that it’s important to supervise children when using fireworks and use common sense.

Permissible consumer fireworks (PCF) may be used 6-24 thru 7-6 on private property. Setting off PCF's on public property is not legal. PCF's do not go into the air or explode & include sparklers, smoke devices, snakes, party poppers & other similar products. pic.twitter.com/vllJQfBxFt

— Chandler Police (@ChandlerPolice) June 24, 2019

“If you’ve been drinking, do not be letting off fireworks because then you’re going to be careless,” he said.

Be sure to look around homes and make sure any brush is cleared before setting off fireworks, McDade said.

“We had record rainfall in the Valley, so we’ve got brush and overgrowth that we haven’t seen in decades right now,” he said.

Even legal fireworks can start fires, he warned. Three teenagers allegedly started a brush fire in northwest Phoenix last week by playing with fireworks.

Restrictions on fireworks remain in place in some Valley areas due to fire risk.

The Superstition Fire and Medical District banned firework sales and use in Apache Junction on Thursday while Stage I or higher fire restrictions are in place.

The restrictions went into effect that day in response to an increase in wildfire activity, including the Woodbury Fire in the Superstition Mountains that surpassed 100,000 acres over the weekend.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report. 

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