PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix police will have new enforcement powers this Fourth of July under ordinances passed by the city council this month that tighten rules on fireworks and increase penalties for violations.
Police can now seize illegal fireworks on the spot, and violators could face fines of up to $2,500. Repeat offenders could face jail time.
The city will still allow fireworks that don’t shoot into the sky, like sparklers.
The city council passed the new fireworks ordinances 7-0 ahead of Independence Day. The changes ban fireworks within 1 mile of nature preserves and allow the city to add parks and other areas to the restricted zones depending on fire restrictions in place at the time.
Where fireworks are banned
All fireworks are banned within 1 mile of nature preserves. The restrictions also cover certain parks and other city-owned property. The city has released an interactive map showing where fireworks can and cannot be used.
“One of the things that really concerns me is we get a lot of comments from fireworks around the preserves and in July those preserves can be like tinderboxes so that does frighten me,” said Debra Stark, a Phoenix City Council member.
Enforcement changes
Phoenix police can now seize illegal fireworks on the spot under the new ordinances.
“We are probably going to lead with a civil fine first and then the city prosecutor will have the ability to look up repeat offenders,” said Brian Rimsza, a Phoenix police lieutenant.
“The plan is not to go out and arrest people lighting up fireworks,” Rimsza said.
The city said the changes are to help with wildfire prevention, noise from illegal fireworks and poor air quality when a large number of fireworks are set off during holidays.
“I just want to say that it seems like every Jan. 1 I get inundated with calls from residents complaining about fireworks,” Stark said.
“We hear so much from our community regarding fireworks,” said Kesha Hodge Washington, vice mayor.
For the city’s interactive firework map, click or tap here.
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