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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Firework stands across Pima County are opening ahead of the July 4 holiday, prompting local fire departments to warn about the potential dangers of fireworks and sparklers.
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Ryan Napples, with Red Hot Fireworks, said he is getting the stand ready to open ahead of the holiday rush and is looking forward to the season.
Northwest Fire District Fire Inspector II Dan Ingram said enforcement happens behind the scenes to ensure stands meet required guidelines.
“We have to enforce our fire code and FPA guidelines; Arizona state law comes into play as to when they can be set up and utilized, and fireworks can be sold,” Ingram said.
Ingram said the state determines fireworks regulations, and he visits stands to ensure they are up to code.
“We’re not allowed to have any aerials, we’re not allowed to sell firecrackers, we’re not allowed to have bottle rockets, but we can have fountains, little snappers, stuff that’s on the ground,” said Napples.
Ingram said safety is also critical after fireworks are used.
“I’ve seen houses burn down from fireworks that were not properly extinguished,” he said.
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Jamie Sieminski with the Tucson Fire Department said preparation is key and includes staying 30 feet away from vegetation and young children and having a bucket of water and a hose on hand.
“We want you to have a bucket of water in place for when fireworks are complete,” said Sieminski. “You can use a shovel to put that in the water, let it soak. Any duds that don’t go off, we don’t want you to pick them up and try to re-light them. So go ahead, use a shovel, put that in the bucket of water.”
He also urged caution with sparklers.
“One of the more specific fireworks that kids love are the sparklers, but a sparkler is actually 1,800 degrees — it’s as hot as a blowtorch, so we want you to be super careful with all of them,” Sieminski said.
Ingram said people who are unsure about using fireworks on their own can choose professional fireworks shows around the county, which he said are highly monitored by teams with local fire departments.
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