Phoenix launches a Citywide food drive to assist residents experiencing food insecurity during the holidays.
Celebrate Safely
We all deserve to enjoy the holidays, and that means keeping celebrations safe. In response to a significant increase in 2024 in fireworks-related concerns shared with Mayor and City Council offices, as well as a surge in emergency calls to Police and Fire during the July 4 and New Year’s holidays, the City Manager’s Office established the Fireworks Safety Task Force.
A product of that Task Force is the Celebrate Safely campaign. Through education, targeted outreach, and strengthened enforcement, the Task Force is taking steps to stop illegal fireworks usage, prevent fireworks-related injuries and fires, and deter illegal celebratory gunfire.
Safety First
Mishandling fireworks can turn a celebration into tragedy. Sadly, every year, thousands of people across the country get injured by fireworks, and sometimes those injuries can be deadly. To stay safe:
- Choose a safe location!
Data shows that fire calls where fireworks were a potential fire starter, also were in dry areas or sparks traveled away from the original area and lit grass, brush, debris, buildings. Illegal fireworks that shoot into the air are typically associated to tree fires, where it then spreads to other trees, properties, and structures. - Dispose of fireworks properly! When fireworks are for sale, fires often happen from careless discarding of fireworks in dumpsters! When fireworks re-ignite and the dumpster is on fire, it may extend to the garage and residential structure. When disposing fireworks, always soak for at least 24 hours prior to putting them in the trash can!
- Keep spectators at a safe distance!
Injuries caused by fireworks are often a result of someone standing too close or being hit with a firework as it went off.- Never alow children to handle fireworks
- Do not hold fireworks in your hands while lighting them
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
More to Consider
Do Your Part to Prevent Fires
Soak ‘em if you got ‘em. Never just immediately toss fireworks—spent or otherwise—into a garbage can, alley bin, or brush pile, as smoldering debris can easily spark a fire. Instead, place used fireworks in a bucket of water and let them soak thoroughly overnight.
Once they’re fully saturated and cool to the touch, you can safely dispose of them in your garbage bin. To prevent fires caused by fireworks, always handle used fireworks with extreme caution.
Taking a few extra minutes to soak fireworks helps protect your home, your neighbors, and your community from preventable fires.
Enforcement
The City of Phoenix is dedicating additional patrols throughout the holiday season to curb the use of illegal fireworks and keep our neighborhoods safe.
These proactive patrols will focus on responding to community reports, enforcing the law, and educating residents about safe and legal alternatives.
The use of illegal fireworks has real consequences. It can result in fines up to $1,000. It’s not worth the ticket.
If you see or hear illegal fireworks being used, please report it by calling the non-emergency line at 602-262-6151. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
Impact on Vets & Pets
Fireworks may be exciting for many, but the sudden booms can be deeply distressing for some of our neighbors. Veterans living with PTSD can experience severe anxiety, flashbacks, and disrupted sleep when unexpected explosions occur. Pets, especially dogs, are also highly sensitive to loud noises and can become terrified, disoriented, or run away during fireworks activity. By choosing safer celebrations and following Arizona’s fireworks laws, you help protect those who may be most impacted—supporting the well-being of our vets, pets, and the entire community.
For pet owners, consider this advice from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
- Put identification tags on your pet, even if they are microchipped
- Have a current photo of all your pets
- Consider using a “comfort vest” on your dog to reduce anxiety
- Discuss behavior therapy options with your veterinarian
- Create a safe and secure environment for your pet
- Inside your home is best
- Turn on music or the TV to reduce the boom of the fireworks
- Stay with your pets during fireworks, if possible
Air Quality Impacts
Fireworks may look fun, but they can make our air dirty.
When many people set off fireworks, tiny particles go into the air. In the winter, cold air can trap these particles close to the ground, making it harder for everyone to breathe—especially kids, older adults, and people with asthma.
The Maricopa Association of Governments explains how fireworks add to air pollution and what we can do to help. To learn more and see their tips, visit azmag.gov/fireworks.
Celebration Isn't Gunfire
Do not shoot into the air! Celebrating with gunfire is dangerous, against the law, and punishable by more than five years in prison. Every case will be prosecuted. Phoenix Police enforce Shannon’s law.
In 1999, 14-year-old Shannon Smith was talking on the phone in her Phoenix backyard when a bullet—fired from more than a mile away—fell from the sky and sadly took her life. After this tragedy, her family, police, and community leaders worked together to create a law to help stop this from ever happening again.
Firing a gun into the air within city limits can lead to a Class 6 felony charge. Penalties can include significant fines and prison time.
Please remember: what goes up must come down. Celebrate safely.
