FIREWORKS RISKY, EXPERTS SAY
This Fourth of July weekend, Arizona officials have one burning request: avoid setting off fireworks during celebrations.
With an intense wildfire season in full swing, as well as the risk of burn injuries and damage to property, fire officials say it is best to leave fireworks to the experts.
Some residents agree. Phoenix resident Alba Nieto stated her primary concern was the threat of sparking another wildfire.
“I feel it’s irresponsible for people to be setting off fireworks during this dry season, especially with the recent fires,” Nieto said. “I understand the joy of fireworks, but it can wait.”
Fire investigators with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management determined that 2020’s Stage Fire, which scorched 260 acres near New River, was ignited by fireworks. “The concern is obviously the dry conditions, the amount of fire activity we’ve had and continue to see, and lack of moisture,” said Tiffany Davila of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The rain Arizona has received this summer, she said, is “not enough to help the drought-stricken fuels” avoid igniting from stray sparks.
Instead, Davila suggested watching fireworks operated by professionals at community events because these are in a “controlled environment with appropriate resources in place” in case an emergency happens.
David Ramirez with the Phoenix Fire Department reiterated this notion.
“We want everybody to enjoy the holiday,” he said. “But we’re trying to ask the public to leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
One of the top concerns for the department is the increased prevalence of burn injuries in the days surrounding
Independence Day.
“We see a lot of burn injuries,” Ramirez said. “Even the sparklers burn at a very high temperature and, a lot of times, it’s unfortunately children who get hurt.”
According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at temperatures reaching 2,000 degrees and account for more than 25% of fireworks-related trips to the emergency room.
Ramirez added that in addition to calls for burn injuries, the Fire Department also responds to plenty of property fires as well.
This includes fires in cars, trash bins and houses throughout the weekend due to the improper handling of fireworks.
“Our
numbers
skyrocket
on
the
Fourth of July,” Ramirez said. “We just ask the public to help us help them stay safe.”
If Arizonans do choose to shoot fireworks, Davila suggested first checking local restrictions on fires and fireworks.
“Fireworks are not allowed on state or federal lands, regardless of restrictions or closures,” she added.
Ramirez said to check that fireworks purchased are legal to use in Arizona.
“If it launches into the air or explodes, it’s illegal to use,” he said.
State law permits using fireworks that are ground-mounted or hand-held only between June 24 and July 6 or between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3. Fines for violating these fireworks laws begin at $1,000.
Ramirez also suggested the following tips for operating fireworks this Fourth of July:
Do not allow young children to play with fireworks.
Never smoke around fireworks or have open flames around fireworks.
Avoid using fireworks on a windy day to prevent embers and sparks from flying.
Keep fireworks 15 feet away from structures and vegetation.
Keep a water source douse sparks and fires.
Wear cotton clothing when using fireworks; synthetic fibers can melt onto the skin at high temperatures.
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