Red, White and Uh-Oh!
Arizona has changed the laws to allow for a small window in when setting off fireworks is legal. However, even the legal fireworks make public-safety employee very nervous.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.It is estimated that on average 280 people are admitted to emergency rooms nationwide with fireworks-related injuries in the month surrounding the 4th of July holiday.
Last week the Phoenix Fire Department held a safety demonstration informing the public about the risks of igniting both legal and illegal fireworks. It is important that users take special precaution when handling fireworks, even if the state deems them legal to use.
There are specific type of consumer-grade fireworks that are legal in Arizona until July 6th. Roman candles, which are launched projectiles into the air, are illegal year-round. If one is pointed in the wrong direction, it could result in serious bodily harm and can be a fire hazard.
It important to know that firecrackers can explodes in your hand and literally blow your fingers off.
But don’t think it is just the heavy duty firecrackers that cause injuries. According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, sparklers are responsible for more than 30 percent of fireworks-related injuries Consumer-grade sparklers burn at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause significant damage to the body.
It is important to note that while fountain fireworks are legal in Arizona, anything that launches into the air or explodes is not, according to Phoenix Fire Department.
The other legal types of fireworks in Arizona are ground spinners, sparklers and some novelty items, such as glow worms.
Fireworks can be used legally from June 24th to July 6th. After that, consumers can be fined $1,000.
Fireworks are more powerful than you might think. It is encouraged that instead of lighting your own fireworks, Phoenix fire officials suggest watching a professional public display.
