Fire danger pushes 3 Arizona cities to drop plans for holiday fireworks

PHOENIX — Three cities in Arizona, including one in metro Phoenix, have called off their annual Fourth of July fireworks shows because of fire danger.

Cave Creek, Flagstaff and Williams have canceled their summer holiday displays citing dry conditions.

The popular Cave Creek event had run for 24 straight years at Harold’s Corral.

The fireworks permit was denied at a June 18 town council meeting, after a report from Rural Metro Fire Department John Kraetz expressed safety concerns.

Harold’s Corral owner Danny Piacquadio pointed out at the meeting modifications had been proposed, including a watering program of the area, more landscaping of the site and using smaller shells to narrow the fallout zone.

He said he understood the precautions but that the council was selectively enforcing codes since a similar fireworks display had gone on recently at a balloon festival under the current fire restrictions.

Town officials said forecast of winds and lack of rain factored in the outcome.

Up north, Flagstaff spokeswoman Claire Harper said Friday the city had not purchased any fireworks before deciding to cancel the July 3 show.

The city will celebrate the holiday with a parade, concert and activities, as usual. The Continental Country Club will host Lights on the Lawn from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

With the area under Stage 3 fire restrictions, consumer-grade fireworks have been banned.

The last time the display was canceled was 2010, the Arizona Daily Sun reported.

Fireworks had only returned to Williams’ July 4 celebration a year ago, after a 10-year absence.

“We had a great year last year, but we have closures all around us,” John Moede, assistant fire chief, told the Williams News.

“We would rather have an abundance of caution. We just don’t know how the conditions are going to be.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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