Phoenix highlights new firework use rules ahead of summer season

• No fireworks on city property, including parks.
• A ban on fireworks within 1 mile of mountain preserves, such as South Mountain.
• A ban on fireworks within 1 mile of desert and regional parks when Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect.
• Civil fines of up to $2,500 or misdemeanor charges carrying up to six months in jail.

Penalties can increase with repeat violations, and offenders can be required to pay for emergency response, storage and disposal costs, according to the city. Police also have expanded authority to seize and destroy illegal fireworks.

Fireworks are allowed only during certain periods of the year. For summer, those dates are June 24 through July 6.

Phoenix Fire Department Capt. Rob McDade said fires caused by fireworks in recent years, including one on South Mountain during a previous Fourth of July, prompted the changes.

“There’s a little more teeth, for lack of a better term, to enforce those rules that are on the books,” McDade said.

The city draws a distinction between legal consumer fireworks and illegal fireworks, which may never be used outside professional shows.

Lt. Brian Rimsza with Phoenix police said illegal fireworks are generally those that shoot into the sky and explode.

“If you buy them at the grocery store for the most part, they do a pretty good job regulating. Those are legal fireworks,” said Rimza. “If it shoots into the air and explodes, it’s 100% illegal. If it is on the ground and has a very large explosion, it’s going to be illegal.”

Rimsza also said the new rules represent the biggest shift in Phoenix’s fireworks ordinance in a decade, adding that because the regulations are new, police will lead with education rather than penalties.

The city has created a map indicating where fireworks can be used this summer.

Phoenix Fire urges safety in celebration

The City of Phoenix is urging locals to “celebrate safely” with fireworks, even if you’re just lighting up a few sparklers.

McDade said the Fourth of July is the department’s busiest day of the year.

“We go on the most trash fires, trash can fires, brush fires, alley fires,” said McDade. “No other day is even close to it.”

McDade also outlined a few safety tips:

• Do not drink alcohol while using fireworks. Designate a sober person to handle them.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Have a plan in case a fire does occur, including having a hose or bucket of water nearby.
• Use fireworks on flat ground.

Beyond these, Rimsza recommended locals go to a professional firework show instead of attempting to use them at home.