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Fireworks and the Law
For a printable brochure on Fireworks and the law, click HERE.
The Fourth of July traditionally presents the biggest fire danger to citizens and is the cause of a great number of fires and burn injuries due to fireworks.
Fireworks include devices which make a visible or audible effect when set off and the Phoenix ordinance specifically outlaws possession and use of sparklers, skyrockets and firecrackers. Paper caps such as those used in a toy cap pistol, which contain 25-hundredths of a grain of explosive content per cap, are the only items allowed under the ordinance unless the user has a permit from the Phoenix Fire Department. Snap caps have been declared in violation of State Law.
The Phoenix Fire Department responds to more fires on the 4th of July than any other in the year. Most occur in dry brush and grass, but several homes are destroyed or damaged on this holiday. Fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or live fireworks.
Nationally, more than $36 million in property is damaged each year due to fireworks.
The Fourth of July also is responsible for many burn injuries associated with premature detonation or misuse of fireworks. The Maricopa County Burn Unit reports the most burn injuries on the Fourth of July. These are only the numbers of fireworks injuries reported to hospital emergency rooms. Because many injuries are not treated in emergency rooms, experts believe the total number of fireworks injuries may be far more.
Most fireworks burn injuries involve children. These are usually burns to the hands and eyes causing vision impairment and disfiguring scars.
Sparklers are the biggest danger to children. A tip temperature at the end of the sparkler reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily cause a burn.
Yes, people can die from fireworks and the fires they cause. In 1985, 26 people were killed this way. That's a large improvement compared to 1902, when fireworks were legal in most states. In that year, fireworks and fireworks-related fires killed more than 200 people.
The city of Phoenix explicitly prohibits the sale or use of any fireworks.
Some people smuggle fireworks into Arizona from other states or from Mexico. It is strictly expressed that bringing fireworks into Arizona from other places is illegal and punishable by law. Use or possession of fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. Only those people with special licenses are allowed "controlled" fireworks displays. They take extensive precautions to ensure a safe, yet exciting show.Citizens who have fireworks, which are illegal, may turn them in to any fire station without penalty. Citizens who wish to report illegal use of fireworks should call 9-1-1.
Some people think that just because some fireworks are legal in some states, they are more safe. The largest share of fireworks injuries are caused by Class C fireworks, the kind that are legal in many states.
Leave fireworks to the professionals.
Restrictions on fireworks are for a good cause. No matter how small or large a fireworks may be, it is a potential fire starter. But it is still possible to celebrate and enjoy the holiday. Families can consult the newspaper or local activity calendar and attend one of several approved, licensed fireworks displays around the Valley.
2004 Approved Fireworks Displays in the City of Phoenix
Date & Time Location June 25th at 9:00pm Rose Mofford Sports Complex:
9833 N. 25th Ave.June 27th at 7:30pm Phoenix First Assembly of God Church:
13613 N. Cave Creek Rd.July 2nd at 9:00pm Maryvale Baseball Park:
3600 N. 51st Ave.July 3rd at 9:00pm Deer Valley Community Park:
2001 W. Wahalla Ln.July 4th at 9:00pm Arizona Country Club:
5668 E. Orange Blossom Ln.Moon Valley Country Club:
151 W. Moon Valley Dr.July 4th at 9:30pm Skytel-Mountain Vista Park:
13601 S. 50th St.July 4th at 9:35pm Phoenix Fabulous Fourth:
Steele Indian School Park
3rd St. & Indian School Rd.
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