06/04/2026
Please celebrate Independence Day responsibly, legally, and in a neighborly way! Use of fireworks is illegal and prohibited near the mountain (including in our neighborhood) and shooting into the air is a felony. Criminal activity should be reported to the police.
Here are some tips to help you keep our neighbors and our homes safe. In recent years, at least one brush fire caused by fireworks has endangered homes in our community, and we have seen the rising cost of fire insurance as one of the results.
SHANNON’S LAW
In 2000, Shannon's Law was passed, making firing a gun into the air a class six felony that can bring a sentence including prison time. Some police departments now have equipment that can alert them to the approximate location from which a shot is fired.
If you hear gunshots during any time of year, call 9-1-1, request officer contact, and get an incident number. If you find a bullet or casing in or near your home, do not touch it. Call the police, request contact, and get an incident number.
FIREWORK LAWS & CITY CODE
Phoenix City Code fireworks provisions were recently revised, effective June 20, 2026, to align the City Code with state law and include every state-allowed prohibition on the use, possession, and sale of fireworks within City limits.
What's changed:
--No fireworks on city-owned property, including parks
--Use of all fireworks is banned within one mile of mountain preserves
--A Stage 1 Fire Restriction status triggers a prohibition on the use of all fireworks within one mile of desert and regional parks
--Violators face civil fines up to $2,500 or criminal misdemeanor charges punishable by up to six months in jail
--Repeat violators could face escalating punishment
--The City can recover costs from violators for emergency response, storage, and disposal related to illegal fireworks incidents
--Police have stronger authority to seize and destroy illegal fireworks
*Professional fireworks shows are still allowed*
Arizona law and City of Phoenix code (and Maricopa County air pollution regulations) allows certain fireworks to be sold and used in certain circumstances. Ground-based fireworks, such as sparklers and snappers, are legal to use, HOWEVER, use is prohibited within one-mile of any mountain preserve. See the map attached, our neighborhood is outlined in blue.
State statute restricts the consumer sale and use of aerial fireworks including, but not limited to: Firecrackers, Skyrockets, Bottle rockets, Missile rockets, and Torpedoes.
Permissible fireworks can be sold May 20-July 6, and used June 24-July 6 before 11pm (1am on July 5), but again, NOT within one mile of the mountain preserve. That means use of fireworks (even the permitted ones above) in the Avance neighborhood is a misdemeanor.
LOCAL DISPLAYS
The City of Phoenix hosts one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest (https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/special-events/fabphx4), and there will be tons more to choose from!
SAFE DISPOSAL
Multiple fire incidents have occurred or been narrowly prevented within the community on previous July Fourth holidays.
From Phoenix Fire: Fire investigations and other calls for service during times when fireworks sales are permitted are most likely the result of careless discarding of fireworks in dumpsters, especially those city dumpsters that are kept near the house or in the garage. When the fireworks re-ignite and the dumpster is on fire, it could extend to the garage and residential structure. It is important to soak them for at least 24-hours prior to putting them in the trash can. Even then it is important to not have the trash can against the house, in the garage, or near dry brush that would allow a fire to extend.
PETS
More pets are lost around the 4th of July than any other time of year in our state. Be sure to prepare your pets for fireworks and summer generally.
PTSD AND SENSORY ISSUES
Fireworks (expected or unexpected) can be a trauma reminder for those who served in combat or went through a fire, explosion or gun violence. Learn tips to manage symptoms or host an event that is sensitive to those who are affected by fireworks.
People, particularly children, with sensory processing issues often experience heightened sensitivity to unpredictable loud noises and flashing lights, which can trigger anxiety, stress, and discomfort. If you or a member of your household has sensory needs, reach out to friends, family, and neighbors. Raising awareness can lead to more understanding and supportive environments.
Thanks in “Avance” for keeping our neighborhood safe and celebrating responsibly! Please post additional information or tips below as the holiday approaches! Full document with links available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mhywCwYBz9CUN-XeWp7VM04SCo6nj0R7K2ws6ahZszg/edit?usp=sharing
