PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 You may start to hear some loud bangs in your neighborhood because you can now legally purchase fireworks through July 6.<\/p>\n
A new task force created by the City of Phoenix is cracking down on illegal fireworks this year. Fire crews say they pose a serious fire risk, especially during dry summer months, so city inspectors are increasing enforcement. <\/p>\n
As of this week, they have visited more than 200 stands to see if illegal fireworks are being sold. In the past, inspections were only done after someone filed a complaint. Officials say this is key to keeping illegal fireworks off store shelves and out of neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
The Phoenix Fire Department demonstrated Tuesday morning what happens if you improperly dispose of a firework.<\/p>\n
Firefighters showcased an example of what could happen if fireworks are improperly disposed. Fire Captain DJ Lee said sparks can start after the show is over.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we had was a sparkler that we had. We thought we put it out, put it in a trash can next to the outside of the house, which in turn caught the debris inside the trash and the fire went up into the attic space,\u201d said Phoenix Fire Capt. DJ Lee.<\/p>\n
Lee says if you plan to use fireworks this year, it\u2019s crucial to have a bucket of water nearby and soak used fireworks for at least 24 hours before throwing them away. If you don\u2019t dispose of them correctly, a fire could spark and move toward homes or other property.<\/p>\n
Lee says sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, snakes and glow worms are all legal. But anything that shoots into the air, like firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars or aerial shells, is illegal.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the week of the 4th, each precinct in the city will have designated enforcement units to address fireworks calls for service,\u201d Lieutenant Brian Rimsza with the Phoenix Police Department said.<\/p>\n
This year, Phoenix police and fire are increasing patrols, and the city is working to educate the public by placing brochures with safety information at local fireworks stands. The city has worked on public outreach in the past and says it has proven to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2023, the Phoenix Fire Department saw more than 700% increase in fire-related calls on the July 4th holiday compared to our non-holiday averages. As a result of these efforts last year, we did see a 37% reduction in firework-related fires year-over-year,\u201d said Eric Williams, Phoenix Fire\u2019s assistant chief of fire prevention.<\/p>\n
Lee wants the holiday to be fun but says to leave it to the pros if in doubt.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want everybody safe. We want to make sure that you are using legal fireworks, not illegal fireworks. Make sure you keep your pets inside and don\u2019t let kids handle the fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fines for illegal fireworks<\/a> can be as high as $1,000, not including the cost of potential property damage or injuries.<\/p>\n The city of Phoenix is hosting two fireworks events for the public<\/a> this year on July 3 and 4. For more information, visit the city\u2019s website. <\/p>\n You can call the Phoenix PD non-emergency line at 602-262-6151 to report the illegal use of fireworks.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n