Firework safety tips and laws

Fireworks season runs from June 24 to July 6. Before you start blowing stuff up, make sure to follow these safety tips.

• Always read the instructions on boxes.
• Always have a garden hose, water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not light fireworks next to buildings or under trees.
• Adults should be lighting fireworks, not kids.
• Always have an adult supervise firework activities. (Sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals.)
• Don’t point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Distance yourself from the fireworks.
• When the fireworks are done, give them time before you get close to them.
• Submerge empty fireworks in a bucket of water and leave them sitting for a full hour to make sure they are not smoldering inside.

Source: Maricopa Fire & Medical Department

Law of the Land (ARS-36-1606)

• No aerial fireworks.
• Fireworks are prohibited between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. – except 11 p.m. on July 4 through 1 a.m. on July 5, and 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
• Fireworks may not be sold to people under 16 years old.
• Fireworks are not permitted within a 1-mile radius of the border of any municipal or county mountain preserve, desert park, regional park, designated conservation area, national forest or wilderness area.

View a demonstration on how to properly extinguish fireworks below.