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The City of Avondale is reminding the public that there will be “zero tolerance” for illegal fireworks use related to celebrations around Independence Day or other holidays. Avondale Police and Fire-Medical departments will deploy additional personnel to patrol city streets and neighborhoods to ensure that the community is celebrating safely.
Said Avondale Police Chief Memo Espinoza: “Protecting the health, safety and welfare of our community is our top priority. In the past, Avondale PD has responded to a flood of complaints regarding improper use of fireworks in neighborhoods throughout the city during holiday celebrations such as Independence Day. We have additional officers deployed to patrol neighborhoods to enforce against illegal fireworks, as well as legal fireworks that are being used improperly.”
The Avondale Police Department states that persons found in violation of the permissible consumer firework restrictions or of setting off any products other than the permissible consumer fireworks will be subject to a criminal citation or complaint. The sale or use of any illegal fireworks in the city is subject to a fine of $1,000 for each violation. A person may be legally and financially liable for injuries caused by using any fireworks, as well and any fire that results from use of illegal fireworks of inappropriate use of legal fireworks.
When it comes to celebrating July 4 or any holiday with consumer fireworks, the city of Avondale reminds residents and businesses to know the laws, and choose to celebrate safe.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-1606, consumer fireworks are permissible for use during the following dates: Between May 4 – May 6, June 24 -July 6 and Dec. 24- Jan. 3 of each year and the second and third days of Diwali of each year. The sale of fireworks is permissible between April 25 – May 6, May 20 – July 6 and Dec. 10 – Jan. 3 of each year and five days before the first day of Diwali through the third day of Diwali of each year.
Other important information to know is that consumer fireworks may not be sold to persons under 16 years of age. Consumer fireworks use is prohibited on public property, including streets, city parks/open spaces. Consumer fireworks use is allowed on private property within city limits, with the owner’s consent.
For a list of acceptable and non-acceptable consumer fireworks to use or for purchase in Arizona view the complete list at www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/fire-medical/fire-prevention/fireworks , courtesy of The Arizona Fireworks Newswire.
Avondale Fire-Medical personnel will support their Avondale PD colleagues with a presence in the neighborhoods, and will share public education and safety messages about the danger that fireworks pose. According to fire and safety professionals, fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, or scars, disfigurement or even death. Serious injuries each year typical from fireworks are harm to the eyes, head, or hands. Even sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, can reach temperatures of more than 1,000° F. According to the National Safety Council, more fire related injuries and fires in general are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year; this is a fact for both the legally used, and illegal fireworks; Avondale Fire also reported several responses to tree fires, garage fires, trash can, and house fires, and other mishaps last year alone.
City officials add that the ultimate way to celebrate is to simply leave the fireworks to the professionals, and attend a professional fireworks show hosted in the community. Avondale and surrounding cities are hosting them, and most community fireworks shows are free to attend. For information about the Avondale Lights up the Sky Celebration, July 2, visit www.avondaleaz.gov/events.
For specific information regarding approved use and sale of fireworks in Avondale, contact the Avondale Fire Marshal, at 623-333-6140, email fireprevention@avondaleaz.gov ; http://www.avondaleaz.gov/fireworks. More educational information about fireworks safety can be found at the National Fire Protection website, http://www.nfpa.org .
Read more stories from the Phoenix Area on Signals A Z.com.
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