Arizona’s new fireworks law clears up confusion

Jun 24, 2014, 7:22 AM | Updated: 7:23 am

PHOENIX — Changes in Arizona’s fireworks laws will go into effect Tuesday, making the regulations more uniform and less confusing.

The state law over the past few years was daunting — some cities allowed fireworks, others did not. The same went for the sales and purchase of fireworks.

Under the new law, signed by Gov. Jan Brewer, private citizens are allowed to buy and use certain types of fireworks through July 6.

“Items that don’t go into the air and don’t explode, like ground spinners and fountains, are permissible,” said
Brian Scholl, an inspector for the Phoenix Fire Department.

Scholl said even though fireworks are legal, fire officials would prefer if people didn’t buy them.

“Our conditions are so dry, don’t use them. Go to the fireworks show and let the pros handle it,” he said.

Certain types of fireworks are still banned year-round under the new law: firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles.

Firefighters are anxious about the upcoming Fourth of July, which sends them to more fires than any other day.

The Valley has only received about an inch of rain since mid-December. In March a 12-year-old playing with a ground-based firework caused $400,000 worth of damage to a north Phoenix home.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo/Cartwright Elementary School)...
Griselda Zetino

Valley school district switches to 4-day work week to recruit, retain staff

A Phoenix-area school district is switching to a four-day work week to attract new employees and entice current ones to stay on the job.
5 hours ago
(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)...
KTAR.com

Arizona marijuana products voluntarily recalled due to fungus concerns

Arizona’s marijuana industry is voluntarily recalling products due to Aspergillus, a fungus that can cause allergic reactions or infection.
5 hours ago
(Johnny's Chicken & Waffles Photos)...
KTAR.com

Ne-Yo to open Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles at Westgate in Glendale

Singer-songwriter Ne-Yo announced on Tuesday that Johnny's Chicken & Waffles will open in the West Valley at the end of the month.
5 hours ago
Fossil Creek. (Facebook Photo/Coconino National Forest)...
KTAR.com

Fossil Creek, San Pedro River segment water quality improves, leads to ADEQ delisting

Fossil Creek and the lower San Pedro River near Winkelman are now safe for recreation according to the ADEQ.
5 hours ago
Mudvayne...
Kevin Stone

Metal veterans Mudvayne to play Phoenix area for first time since 2009

Mudvayne's Psychotherapy Sessions Tour will stop at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix in August.
1 day ago
(Facebook Photo/Arizona Supreme Court)...
SuElen Rivera

Arizona Supreme Court says Hobbs not required to carry out execution warrant

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Gov. Katie Hobbs is not obligated to carry out an execution warrant for Aaron Gunches.
1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
(Pexels Photo)...

Sports gambling can be fun for adults, but it’s a dangerous game for children

While adults may find that sports gambling is a way to enhance the experience with more than just fandom on the line, it can be a dangerous proposition if children get involved in the activity.
(Photo via MLB's Arizona Fall League / Twitter)...
Arizona Fall League

Top prospects to watch at this year’s Arizona Fall League

One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday.
Arizona’s new fireworks law clears up confusion