Cave Creek cancels annual fireworks show
For the past 24 years, Cave Creek businesses have hosted thousands of visitors at an annual Fourth of July holiday fireworks show.
But this year, the event is shaping up to be a dud.
The town’s fire official sent a letter notifying Southwest Fireworks LLC and Harold’s Corral that their application to host the annual fireworks show was denied due to wildfire concerns.
“After much consideration, research and input from local emergency responders, we have determined that with the extreme drought conditions currently present in the Town of Cave Creek it is not safe to allow Display Fire-
works,” Chief Building and Fire Official Mike Baxley stated in the June 13 letter.
Roadhouse and CIVANA Carefree Resort sponsor the event with Harold’s Corral. The businesses book bands, provide seating and sell food.
“It’s a tradition that brings good economic impact to the business and brings our town together,” said Harold’s Corral owner Danny Piacquadio.
Piacquadio told The Arizona Republic that his company has committed more than $3,000 to the event and expected about 6,000 people to attend. The restaurant has booked bands, rented tables and chairs, and bought the fireworks.
“I was actually really surprised that it was even under consideration to cancel the event,” Roadhouse manager Kevin Price said.
Roadhouse started preparing around three months ago, according to Price. The business bought advertisements in magazines and promoted the event on social media.
The manager expects some visitors to still show up due to the confusion over the event.
“They are going to be very disappointed,” Price said.
Picaquaido said Baxley’s decision will have an economic impact on the town.
“Local businesses benefit greatly because it’s the last busiest day of the summer months,” he said.
Price said businesses such as nearby gas stations and convenience stores see more customers due to the event.
Price said he is prepared to still host a celebration without fireworks in order to keep the bands.
Piacquadio has asked the town to reconsider its decision.
As part of his argument, he said town officials recently allowed fireworks at Cave Creek’s Balloon Festival at Rancho Manana Golf Course. He said that area has even more vegetation than the area where he plans to shoot off fireworks.
The town recently took over the permitting process for such events. Town Manager Carrie Dyrek said permits are issued on a case-by-case basis.
“It is specific to the application and the site,” Dyrek said. “Not a blanket decision.”
Dyrek said Baxley and town officials met with Picaquadio earlier in the month and told him there was always a chance the permit could be denied due to a fire danger.
“We told him we take this decision very seriously,” Dyrek told The Republic.
“We understand the impact that it takes on our local businesses.”
According to town code, a permit application can be denied due to fire danger concerns.
Baxley did not return calls from The Republic seeking comment.
The decision is ultimately up to Baxley, Dyrek said.
“The safety of the community is important in making this determination,” Dyrek said.
Before making a decision, Baxley asked the opinion of Rural Metro Fire Department Chief John Kraetz. Rural Metro provides fire safety services to the area.
In an email sent on May 31, Kraetz said the town would have to make the decision.
“I have expressed for years how uncomfortable I am with the fireworks at Harold’s,” Kraetz said in the email. “The area is tight as far as distance from the crowds.”
Kraetz went on to say that a few years ago a child and an adult were injured after a firework shot horizontally.
In his letter to Piacquadio and Southwest Fireworks, Baxley stated several issues played a role in making the decision:
❚ Weather patterns.
❚ Conditions of the desert surrounding the shoot site.
❚ Public safety resource commitments.
❚ Restrictions on the Cave Creek District of the Tonto National Forest.
❚ Possible wind impact on mortar flight and post explosion debris fields.
❚ Rainfall totals.
“All information points to an extreme danger in allowing firework displays for the June/July time period,” Baxley stated. “The risk of a catastrophic loss of property and structure due to a wildland fire that could be caused by falling embers or errant mortars is too high for the community to bear.”
Piacquadio dismissed the fire concerns.
“This is the safest year for us to shoot our fireworks off in 25 years,” he said, saying the desert area currently has few sources of fuel to cause concern.
The area where fireworks will be launched has a paved road to provide Rural Metro access in case of an emergency. Harold’s plans to help Rural Metro water down the area before the show.
But Kraetz in his email to Baxley indicated that wasn’t enough assurance.