Some Maricopa residents will light up the night with fireworks to celebrate the new year this weekend.

That’s why firefighting officials warn that fireworks can create fire dangers.

One spark can start a fire in dry grass. Even sparklers have been known to set clothing ablaze, causing children to get burned.

Maricopa’s city code states “it is unlawful for any reason within the limits of the city to blast or use powder, fireworks or other explosives without a written permit from the city or the fire chief.”

Violations are a misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail. Fines can be as high as $2,500.

Arizona law provides one exception to the local law: consumer fireworks may be used from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3 and from May 20 through July 6 of each year without penalty. During these periods, only “consumer” fireworks can be used. Any fireworks designated as “display” are prohibited.

State law defines “consumer fireworks” as a “small firework devices that contain restricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion.”

Examples:

  • Sparklers
  • Roman candles
  • Spinners
  • Fountains
  • Cones

“Display fireworks” are defined as “large firework devices that are explosive materials intended for use in fireworks displays and designed to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation.”

Permissible consumer fireworks are prohibited from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., except for the following times:

  • Between 11 p.m. Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
    • Between 11 p.m. July 4 through 1 a.m. July 5.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has developed a list of tips to help people safely enjoy their fireworks this holiday weekend:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. It’s often a sign the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise firework activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers, which can burn at 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

 

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