PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix police and fire departments are working together on a new fireworks enforcement initiative this July 4, following a surge in emergency calls in recent years.
The effort began last year when the city started tracking emergency calls related to fireworks. Officers were then deployed into communities with high call volume in the weeks leading up to the holiday to inform neighbors of the new rules.
What’s allowed — and what isn’t
Phoenix is currently under a stage one fire restriction, which prohibits fireworks within 1 mile of mountain preserves and parks. Anything that goes into the air is illegal under city rules. Violators face fines or criminal charges, and under the new rules, police can also seize and destroy illegal fireworks.
Phoenix police commander Mercedes Fortune said the department will have extra staff on duty during the holiday.
“There are some amazing fireworks shows,” Fortune said, pointing residents toward public displays as an alternative.
Demand for illegal fireworks remains high
At a local fireworks stand, employee Marcelino Alvarez said business has been strong — but so has demand for prohibited items.
“These are all safe and sane, that’s what we call them. Legal fireworks, and business has been really good,” Alvarez said. He said people have been asking for the bigger, illegal fireworks. “There’s a lot this year. Almost, out of every five, one of them comes in and asks,” Alvarez said.
A customer entered the store during the visit and asked for mortars. Staff told them no illegal fireworks were available.
“They became illegal because too many houses were catching on fire, apartments. A whole lot of everything,” Alvarez said.
Community response
Several Phoenix City Council members said they received a high volume of calls from residents expressing concerns about fireworks. The city has created an interactive map where residents can enter their address to determine whether they are within 1 mile of a preserve or park.
Still, for many residents, fireworks remain a cherished part of the holiday.
“I’m a Gen Xer, so it really boils down to that’s how I grew up and I want to pass that tradition down to my kids,” Anthony Mendenhall said.
“We just like to get a few small ones for the kids,” Claire Jaramillo said.
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