ARIZONA, USA — First time in Arizona for the Fourth of July? New arrivals may be confused on the legality of fireworks in the wildfire-prone state.
Jason Colt, the owner of San Tan Fireworks, has had to explain to a lot of first timers what is legal in Arizona, and what is not.
“If it shoots in the air, whether it explodes or not, it’s illegal in Arizona," Colt said. "If it stays on the ground it’s legal."
Sparklers, smoke devices and ground based fireworks are okay. Mortars, bottle rockets and roman candles are not allowed.
Pop-up tents have been setting up all across the Valley selling fireworks. Colt, who has dozens of locations across Maricopa County this time of year, said business has been booming just like the fireworks he sells.
“I’ll sell 90 percent of my intended Fourth of July inventory,” Colt said.
Captain Todd Keller with the Phoenix Fire Department said every year someone gets hurt. Burn injuries to the hand are most common.
Arizona’s high fire danger also heightens fire danger for people's homes. Keller recommends to those who will celebrate with legal fireworks this year to keep them at least 35 feet away from homes. Dry grass can also easily catch fire.
“Have a bucket of water and a hose ready in case one of these spins off or gets in any dry brush," Keller said.
It's also recommended to keep used fireworks outside and to spray them off with water once you are done. One person purchasing fireworks on Sunday said last year their trash can caught on fire because they through away their firework display too soon after it was ignited.
Fireworks can be used up until July 6 on private property. People sparking fireworks where they are not supposed to could face up to $1000 in fines in Phoenix, with penalties varying city by city.
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