With the approach of Independence Day, the Buckeye Fire Department is urging residents to use fireworks safely and legally, warning that improper use and disposal can lead to fires, injuries and fines.
Attend the display at the Buckeye Municipal Airport
“We are often overwhelmed with fireworks calls around the summer holidays,” said Carissa Planalp with the Buckeye Police Department.
The department reminded residents to use only legal consumer fireworks, keep children from handling them, have a bucket of water and hose nearby, and never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol.
Fire officials also cautioned against relighting fireworks that fail to ignite. Residents should wait at least 20 minutes, soak the device in water and dispose of it in a metal trash container.
The reminder comes after firefighters responded to numerous trash can fires in recent years caused by residents throwing away used fireworks before they had fully cooled. The department recommends soaking all spent fireworks in a bucket of water for at least four hours before placing them in the trash.
Arizona law prohibits aerial and exploding fireworks, including bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers and other devices designed to launch into the air and detonate. Legal consumer fireworks are limited to ground-based devices such as fountains, ground spinners and certain sparklers. Consumer fireworks may not be used after July 6.
The department also recommends lighting only one firework at a time, wearing protective eyewear and using fireworks away from homes, dry vegetation and crowds.
According to the National Safety Council, more fires occur on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year. The organization estimates the holiday is associated annually with about 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 17,000 other fires.
Officials also encouraged pet owners to prepare for fireworks, noting that more pets end up in shelters on July 5 than on any other day of the year. They recommend keeping pets indoors in a secure environment, ensuring they wear identification tags, and using music or television to help mask the sound of fireworks.
“Don’t blow Fourth of July by using illegal fireworks,” said Rayne Gray, BFD assistant fire chief. “Let your first responders handle serious emergencies to protect our communities.”
Violating Buckeye's fireworks ordinance can result in a civil fine of up to $500.
