Nine years have passed since Ahwatukee residents could head over to Pecos Park for a July 4 fireworks show.

A tradition dating back to the community’s earliest days, the annual show was canceled when the primary funding sponsor dropped out and initial construction of the South Mountain Freeway took away the staging area for the fireworks.

But residents have plenty of options to celebrate Independence Day in Phoenix and the East Valley and watch the skies light up this Friday.

At the same time, Phoenix officials are reminding residents about what fireworks they can and cannot use for their private celebrations and the dangers they can carry for humans and pets.

The dangers

This year, Phoenix formed a citywide task force involving the Police and Fire departments, as well Neighborhood Services and Parks and Recreation to curb injuries, fires and the use of illegal fireworks.

The city reported that fireworks-related injuries and fires decreased 37% last year from 2023, a decline that the city says resulted from “strong community engagement and coordinated public safety efforts.

“The joint task force aims to build on that success by enhancing prevention and enforcement efforts,” the city added, noting:

All aerial fireworks are illegal in Phoenix – and indeed, throughout Arizona.

Soak all used fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours before disposal.

Even legal fireworks are restricted to private property with the owner’s permission and cannot be set off on public property, including parks and streets.

Examples of illegal fireworks include sky rockets, firecrackers and sky lanterns. Firing guns into the air can net offenders serious prison time under a law passed after the June 2019 death of a 14-year-old Central Phoenix girl struck by a bullet fired into the air a mile away during an early Independence Day celebration.

Fireworks can be set off through July 6 from 11 p.m. but are banned between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. The exception is July 4, when they can be fired up until 1 a.m. July 5.

Phoenix officials advises residents to “leave fireworks shows to the professionals.”

Fire and medical personnel also warn that even legal fireworks pose dangers to people and property – which is why it stresses that “adults should always supervise fireworks activities.”

For one thing, “sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees and can cause serious injuries,” they note.

That’s why people should “keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap” and douse used sparklers and fireworks in that bucket.

Over the last few years, several homes in Mesa and Gilbert were literally destroyed by fires that started when used fireworks were simply tossed into a garbage receptacle without a proper dousing.

Consider pets and people

Experts warn that the noise from fire-works can create adverse reactions for people, especially veterans, suffering from PTSD. People with autism also can incur adverse reactions from the noise.

Pets of all kinds also can be endangered by fireworks.

Hence, Rule No. 1: Don’t take Fido to a fire-works show.

Pets should be microchipped or equipped with an ID tag in case they bolt even from the backyard. As a precaution, experts advise they be kept inside.

Phoenix residents can call the police nonemergency line at 602-262-6151 or by using the “Report Illegal Fireworks” option on the City of Phoenix’s website.

Where to celebrate

Celebrations with fireworks aren’t too long a drive away for Ahwatukee residents and at all of them, booze is forbidden, as is bringing your own food and/or fireworks.

Phoenix

Phoenix has slated celeb rations tomorrow and Friday, July 3 and 4.

From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 3, music, family activities, food trucks will be offered at the Light Up the Sky even at American Family Fields of Phoenix, 3600 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix. Fireworks commence at 9:10 p.m.

From 6-10 p.m. Friday, the Fabulous Phoenix 4th will be celebrated at Steele Indian School Park, 3rd Street and Indian School Road.

Two stages will host multiple bands and other live entertainment and a drone show will precede the fireworks show.

The event will include inflatables, water slides, and games for youth, a dance floor, yard games, an area reserved for veterans and families, an ice cream eating contest and a classic car show.

More information: phoenix.gov/calendar/parks-events/fabulous-phoenix-4th.

Tempe

Tempe has moved its celebration Friday night to Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, abandoning at least this year Tempe Beach Park.

The stadium’s built-in infrastructure –seating, shade, real restrooms rather than port-a-johns, concession stands – add ease and comfort for spectators.

The program, from 5-10 p.m., will feature live music by DJ Soloman, Casey Ryan and The Instant Classics from a stage and a lengthy list of children’s activities, which are free.

Admission is $10 advance purchase online, $15 day of event. No charge to children 12 and younger when accompanied by paid parent or guardian. Tickets: tempe.gov/Tempe4th.

Chandler

Downtown Chandler will host the city’s fireworks show 7-9:30 p.m., with pyrotechnics slated for 8:15 p.m.

The live entertainment will come courtesy of Outside The Line. Family friendly activities will include games like checkers and Connect 4 and free balloon art while a variety of vendors with food and drink. There also will be gift baskets raffled. Admission is free.

Check at the information booth at A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler for a raffle ticket and people must e present to win. Information: chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/chandlers-all-american-bash.

Mesa

Mesa’s Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom running 6-10 p.m. Friday – with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. – offers a vast number of exhibits and activities at both the Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center St.

The free event features Revolutionary War reenactments, a naturalization ceremony for about 100 new citizens, live music, kids face painting and inflatables, food and drink truck vendors, exhibits of classic cars and military vehicles, wrestling matches and patriotic music. for the full schedule: azcelebrationoffreedom.com.

Gilbert

Gilbert will celebrate Independence Day 5-9:30 p.m. Friday at Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, and while admission is free, parking will cost $15 per car and must be paid with a credit or debit card.

The band Nineball will take the stage at 7 p.m. and the fireworks and drone shows will start at 8:50 p.m.

A variety of food, drink and dessert trucks will be on site but guests are advised to bring cash or cards as no ATMs will be on site. Information: gilbertaz.gov.