This year, the City of Phoenix formed a citywide task force between the Police and Fire departments, as well as the Neighborhood services and Parks department to further reduce fire-related incidents and curb the use of illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.
Last year, fireworks-related incidents decreased by 37 percent — a result of strong community engagement and coordinated public safety efforts. The joint task force aims to build on that success by enhancing prevention and enforcement efforts.
On Tuesday, June 24, a Fireworks and Wildfire Safety media event was held at the Phoenix Fire Department Training Academy. Leaders from Fire Prevention and the Police Department spoke about the increased messaging and enforcement strategies being implemented. Local, state and federal partners also participated, highlighting the collaboration necessary to keep communities, residents and pets safe during the holiday.
City leadership was on hand to support the initiative. Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien and Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington of District 8 both spoke at the event.
Safety demonstrations showed the dangers of illegal fireworks and improper disposal. Key safety messages shared at the event included:
- All aerial fireworks are illegal in Phoenix.
- Soak all used fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours before disposal.
- Leave fireworks shows to the professionals. The City of Phoenix offers a large-scale, free fireworks display for residents to enjoy.
To give residents a safe and spectacular way to celebrate, the City of Phoenix is hosting free, family-friendly fireworks shows on July 3rd and 4th. These large-scale displays are open to the public and provide an exciting and safe alternative to using fireworks at home.
Hosted by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department:
- Wednesday, July 3rd - Light Up the Sky
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
American Family Fields of Phoenix
3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85031
(Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with family activities, food trucks, and music. The night wraps with a firework show beginning at 9:10 p.m.) - Thursday, July 4 – Fabulous Phoenix 4th
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Steele Indian School Park
Located at 3rd street and Indian School Road
(Come early to enjoy lawn games, food vendors, and more beginning at 6 p.m.)
Families are strongly encouraged to attend and enjoy these professional shows instead of lighting personal fireworks, which pose significant fire, injury, and legal risks.
Officials also unveiled a citywide communications campaign focused on safety, legality, and the broader community impact of fireworks use. The outreach will include social media, billboards, citywide channels, partnerships with stakeholders, and distribution of a "Celebrate Safely" pamphlet.
Celebrate smart. Celebrate safely. Celebrate with Phoenix.
For the latest updates, please follow the Instagram pages for the City of Phoenix (@cityofphoenixaz), the Phoenix Fire Department (@phoenixfiredepartment) and Phoenix Police Department (@phoenixpolice).
