In April of 2014, SB 1158 was signed into law by the governor, thus limiting cities or towns within counties of over 500,000 persons from regulating consumer fireworks beyond ARS 36-1606.  In accordance with State Law, Tempe must allow the sale of permissible consumer fireworks April 25 through May 6, May 20 through July 6, and December 10 through January 3 and two days before the first day of Diwali through the third day of Diwali each year. Tempe must also allow the use of permissible consumer fireworks May 4 through May 6, June 24 through July 6, and December 26 through January 4 and the second and third days of Diwali of each year.

A person violating the provisions of the Arizona revised Statute relating to fireworks or to the Tempe City ordinance is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000. The ordinance also allows Tempe to recoup expenses if emergency services are needed in conjunction with the illegal use of consumer fireworks.

Fireworks can be very stressful for our combat veterans who have served our country.  Please remember as you near Independence day, that these great men and women are the reason we continue to be free to celebrate our independence.

Follow these 3 Steps to ease the stress of fireworks on our Combat Veterans

1. Eliminate Surprises. If anyone in your neighborhood is a veteran, let them know about your plans for the 4^th of July. Give the details about the times and dates you plan to celebrate with fireworks. You could even invite them to celebrate with you. By eliminating the element of surprise this will lower the possibility of a veteran suffering from PTSD from having a panic attack.
2. Limit your use of Fireworks. When it comes to fireworks we tend to want to “Go All Out”. Many Americans want bigger and better every year and they try to “out do” their neighbors. Be mindful of your neighbors that are veterans and consider limiting your fireworks to 1 night only and typically 1 hour. This will give the veteran a known time frame that the fireworks will be involved and prevent the anxiety and stress that they could be suffering.
3. Initiate small fireworks first. When you are initiating your evening of celebration with fireworks, start with fireworks that have less noise and build up to those that are louder. This will reduce the sudden shock of loud noise without any warning, ultimately lowering the possibility of a veteran from being surprised and startled.

Follow these 5 Steps to ease the stress of fireworks and keep your pet calm and safe

1. Keep them indoors. Make sure they’ve had exercise during the day and a chance to go to the bathroom.
2. Give them a safe place to hide. Set up a comfortable room or crate in your house just for them. Keep the blinds and curtains closed.
3. Drown out the noise. Turn on the radio or TV with comforting music or noise they are normally around to calm their nerves.
4. Update their tags and IDs. Make sure your pets are wearing up to date tags and IDs in case they run away or get lost.
5. Keep calm. Don’t punish your pet for being scared. Stay calm and they will learn to do the same.

The Tempe City Council is committed to supporting healthy air quality in Tempe. They have implemented various policies and programs at both local and regional levels to improve air quality. While fireworks can increase pollution levels, there are currently no restrictions on their use for pollution control purposes.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department oversees air quality monitoring and manages High Pollution Advisory days. On these days, it is recommended that children and adults with respiratory issues limit their outdoor activities.

For information about air quality or to check if it is a High Pollution Advisory day, you can visit the Maricopa Air Quality website, download the Clean Air Mobile App or call 602-506-6400.

Fireworks Safety Information from the National Safety Council on safe use of fireworks: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks

For additional safety information please click here.

Public Use of Consumer Fireworks

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For types of fireworks permitted and not permitted in Tempe, please view the flyer.

• Consumer fireworks include ground sparkling devices, sparkling wheel devices and ground-based sparklers and can only be sold and used at specified time periods during the year.
• Novelties known as snappers (pop-its), party poppers, glow worms, snakes, toy smoke devices, and sparklers can be purchased or used at all times.
• Aerial fireworks like roman candles, firecrackers, sky rockets and bottle rockets remain illegal in Arizona.

The state law permits the use of consumer fireworks for these time periods each year:

• May 4 through May 6
• June 24 through July 6
• December 26 through January 4
• Diwali - second and third days

Sale of Consumer Fireworks

Arizona State law allows for the sale of consumer fireworks at retail and temporary locations during these time periods each year:

• April 25 through May 6
• May 20 through July 6
• December 10 through January 3
• Diwali - two days before the first day of Diwali through the third day

Arizona Revised Statute 36-1601, a state law makes it legal for people 16 years and older to buy some types of consumer fireworks in Arizona.

For revelers who are buying fireworks for a home celebration, there are two important things to have on hand:  a fire extinguisher or water hose and a bucket of water. 

• The fire extinguisher or water hose will help control any minor fires resulting from sparks and embers.
• The bucket of water prevents the fireworks and resulting debris from reigniting or becoming fuel for fire.

To make sure fireworks don’t reignite, letting them cool off then soaking in water is recommended.

• Allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes before submerging in water for at least two minutes.
• Once drained of debris, the dirtied water can be poured into the toilet but take care not to dump into storm drains or kitchen sinks.
• Place the debris in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.

Damaged, unused, or unexploded “dud” consumer fireworks should be brought to Tempe’s Household Products Collection Center, 1320 E. University Drive,  for proper disposal.