Fireworks

Fireworks are generally illegal in Arizona. The state does however allow sales and use of some fireworks. Some types are allowed year round, others are only allowed during certain dates. The 'permissible' fireworks are those that do not fly into the air, like bottle rockets, or detonate in an uncontrolled fashion, like firecrackers. See the chart below for details on what is permissible.

Some folks don't read the fine print when they hear that certain fireworks are permitted on July 4th. The holiday restrictions lift gives an excuse to pull out their M80s and skyrockets. So the neighborhood sounds like a war zone, sometimes lasting all night long. Before you buy or use fireworks, you might want to review the state laws:

• ARS 36-1601. Definitions
• ARS 36-1602. Fireworks prohibited
• ARS 36-1603. Permit for public display
• ARS 36-1604. Bond of permittee
• ARS 36-1605. Permitted uses; violations; civil penalties
• ARS 36-1606. Consumer fireworks regulation; state preemption; further regulation of fireworks by local jurisdiction
• ARS 36-1607. Seizure; enforcement
• ARS 36-1608. Violation; civil penalty; classification
• ARS 36-1609. Office of the state fire marshal; adoption of code; sale of permissible consumer fireworks
• ARS 36-1610. Prohibited use of fireworks on state land; civil penalty

There are a few major concerns during these times. Explosive devices start fires - especially in a state and time when conditions are the worst. Pets become anxious hearing the booms and seeing the flashes go off all around them; animal shelters report the busiest day of the year is July 5th. Veterans with PTSD may become disoriented and react severely to the noise.

Due to these issues, there is an effort underway to ban all fireworks year-round: Consumer Ban on Fireworks

Until they are banned, Download our Illegal Fireworks Flyer