What to remember with fireworks in the Valley on the Fourth of July
Jun 29, 2022, 4:45 AM
(Flickr Photo/Marco Verch Professional Photographer)
(Flickr Photo/Marco Verch Professional Photographer)
PHOENIX — Those who decide to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks at home need to know some rules to make sure they do so both legally and safely.
There are a few things to remember with home fireworks, including what type of fireworks are legal and when it is permissible to use them.
Arizona state law allows the use of consumer fireworks from June 24 through July 6.
Those who are 16 years old or under are not allowed to purchase fireworks in the state.
Consumer fireworks include ground spinners, sparkling wheel devices, cylindrical, square, cone and California rocket-shaped fountains.
Other novelty fireworks – like sparklers, smoker devices, snakes, party poppers and snappers – can be used any time.
People are prohibited at all times to use devices that go into the air, like skyrockets, bottle rockets and aerials, along with firecrackers.
Fines for the use of illegal fireworks vary by city, but most carry a $1,000 penalty.
Consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property and can be prohibited during a stage one or higher fire restriction if within a one-mile radius of the border of any municipal or county mountain preserve, desert park, regional park, designated conservation area, national forest or wilderness area.
People are advised to wear protective eyewear while lighting a firework and keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
Fireworks should also not be lit in the home, pointed at another person or handled by young children and only one device should be lit at a time.
