Consumer Fireworks
Consumer Fireworks
The Arizona Legislature adopted House Bill 2246 allowing the sale and use of consumer fireworks throughout the state of Arizona effective Dec. 1, 2010.
This new legislation pre-empts local jurisdictions from banning the sale but does allow for cities or towns to prohibit the use of consumer fireworks within their boundaries or city limits.
Fireworks are classified in three categories: 1) Professional use aerial types; 2) Consumer grade fireworks; and 3) Novelty items. Professional use aerial fireworks are what you see used in large July 4 and New Year’s events. They are not allowed to be sold to anyone that is not licensed for their use. By definition, permissible Consumer fireworks cannot leave the ground and fly into the air. Most are made to be set on the ground and ignited in a controlled setting. Some are hand-held devices. All have clearly marked manufacturer guidelines for their proper use and all are required to be used outdoors. Novelty items are small devices that are allowed to be sold and used at anytime. Novelty items include smoke balls, poppers, and small wire sparklers. Novelty items also have clearly marked manufacturer guidelines on the package for the proper use of the item.
Consumer Novelty Firework Examples (pdf/390k/1pp)
Beyond the risk of fire danger, is the potential for burns and traumatic firework injuries. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports in the year 2008 alone, approximately 7,000 people were treated for injuries in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. The risk of fireworks injuries (burns, lacerations, contusions) for teens age 15-19 and children 5-9, was two times higher than the risk experienced by the general public.
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