The Phoenix City Council approved major changes when it comes to where and how residents can use fireworks. Some of the changes include no fireworks being allowed on any city-owned property or parking areas, with the exception of professional shows, and no fireworks within a one-mile radius of any mountain preserve, desert or regional parks.
Violators can face up to $2,500 in fines, a possible criminal misdemeanor charge or even up to six months of jail time.
Captain Rob McDade, Public Information Officer at the Phoenix Fire Department, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss these new rules and the repercussions for breaking them.
McDade shared that some parts of the Valley will not be able to use legal fireworks due to the stage one fire danger. The City of Phoenix and the fire department have created an interactive map that lets residents know if they are able to use fireworks in their area.
When it comes to using those legal fireworks, McDade warns that, “just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s completely safe”. Fireworks that spin or spark could also start fires.
Different government agencies within Phoenix are banding together to enforce these safety restriction for the upcoming holiday. However, McDade had emphasized that, “we don’t want to be the no fun police”, adding that, “there are plenty of professional shows that are available around the Valley”.
McDade also shared some important reminders and advice ahead of the long holiday weekend.
“Remember, in legal fireworks are from June 24 to July 6. So it’s going to be legal all the way till Monday for people to be lighting up fireworks. So the illegal fireworks folks see that as, oh the window is still open. So I would buckle up for a long weekend,” McDade said.
