PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a sweeping new fireworks ordinance Wednesday, banning fireworks on all city-owned property and imposing tougher penalties for violations in an effort to reduce wildfire risks, noise complaints and air pollution concerns.
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The ordinance, approved in a 7-0 vote, repeals and replaces the city’s previous fireworks code with stricter regulations that prohibit both legal and illegal fireworks in sensitive areas, including within one mile of mountain preserves and certain parks.
Phoenix officials said the most significant change is the police department’s increased enforcement authority.
“The code provides provisions that prohibit use within one mile of mountain preserves and certain parks, it provides language that strengthens the ability to enforce civil and criminal penalties, and the task force will also be recommending updating the fire code,” Assistant Chief Justin Alexander with the Phoenix Fire Department told the Phoenix Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee earlier this month.
The ordinance allows Phoenix police to seize and destroy illegal fireworks and creates stronger punishment options for violators. Under the new rules, offenders could face civil fines of up to $2,500 or up to six months in jail.
“Previously, a fireworks city code violation was a Class One misdemeanor. The new city code will allow for civil or criminal violations,” Deputy Director Jarod Rogers with the City of Phoenix said during the presentation.
City leaders also approved provisions allowing Phoenix to bill violators for emergency response and cleanup costs associated with fireworks incidents. Those rules will take effect this summer.
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Officials cited recurring concerns about wildfire danger in the desert environment, particularly during holiday celebrations when the use increases.
Residents voiced support for the stricter regulations.
“We can’t afford to get a fire here in Phoenix, you know. We don’t get very much rainfall, so I could imagine, you know, fire is not going to benefit anybody,” one resident said.
The Phoenix Fire Department said limiting fireworks near preserves and public lands could significantly reduce wildfire risks.
“If we can minimize the dangers by removing that danger, that’s the best thing we can do for it, because the wildland fire is always a danger to us. We are in the middle of a desert, it’s very dry, lot of brush around there, so it’s best to keep it away from that area,” Captain DJ Lee with the Phoenix Fire Department said.
City officials said an interactive map will soon be added to Phoenix’s website to help residents determine where the new fireworks restrictions apply.
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