Arizona Cities Forced To Cancel 4th of July Fireworks Display

With 4th of July just one week away, residents are learning that many of the annual Independence Day celebrations have been cancelled.

Some Arizona cities have announced the event cancellations and are citing fire concerns, pandemic-related supply and or staffing problems.

The city of Phoenix announced the cancellation of three annual major 4th of July fireworks displays because they could not obtain the necessary fireworks due to supply chain problems. However shows in many other Phoenix metro cities are still scheduled.


The city Flagstaff is still planning for their annual Independence Day parade through the city’s historic downtown. However in place the pyrotechnic display, the city will be debuting a new laser light show due to the potential to spark wildfires.

Fire officials in many cities across Arizona are of course worried that the cancelations of their annual events that draw large crowds to enjoy, could cause people to increase their use of consumer fireworks in residential areas.

Officials want to remind everyone that fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries. It is recommended to follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.