Are Fireworks Legal in Arizona? What’s Legal, What’s Not, and the Fines You’ll Face
Only ground-based “permissible consumer fireworks” like sparklers and fountains are legal in Arizona during specific dates. All aerial and exploding fireworks—including bottle rockets, firecrackers, and Roman candles—are illegal statewide year-round. Violations carry fines up to $1,500 and misdemeanor charges. Mesa Police seized 84,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in July 2025.
Are Fireworks Legal in Arizona?
Arizona permits limited consumer fireworks during designated periods but maintains a statewide ban on aerial and exploding fireworks.
Legal “Permissible Consumer Fireworks”:
- Cylindrical and cone fountains
- Ground spinners
- Illuminating torches
- Flitter sparklers and wire sparklers
- Wheels
- Multiple tube ground and handheld sparkling devices
Illegal Fireworks (Year-Round Ban):
- Sky rockets and bottle rockets
- Missile-type rockets
- Firecrackers
- Roman candles
- Helicopters and aerial spinners
- Torpedoes
- Mine devices and shell devices
- Aerial shell kits and reloadable tubes
- Anything designed to rise into the air and explode
You must be 16 or older to purchase permissible fireworks in Arizona under A.R.S. § 36-1609.
When Can You Buy and Use Fireworks in Arizona?
Arizona Revised Statutes § 36-1606 establishes statewide dates for fireworks sales and use, with variations based on county population.
Counties Over 500,000 Population (Maricopa, Pima):
Sale Dates:
- April 25 through May 6
- May 20 through July 6
- December 10 through January 3
- Two days before Diwali through the third day of Diwali
Use Dates:
- May 4 through May 6
- June 24 through July 6
- December 26 through January 4
- Second and third days of Diwali
Time Restrictions:
- Prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
- Exception: Use permitted until 1:00 a.m. on July 5 and January 1
Counties Under 500,000 Population:
Sale Dates:
- May 20 through July 6
- December 10 through January 3
Use Dates:
- June 24 through July 6
- December 26 through January 4
Fire restrictions can suspend these dates entirely when Stage 1 or higher restrictions are in effect.
Arizona Fireworks Law: Key Statutes
A.R.S. § 36-1601: Definitions
Defines “permissible consumer fireworks” as ground-based devices that don’t explode, rise into the air, or fly above the ground. Explicitly excludes firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and aerial devices.
A.R.S. § 36-1603: Unlawful Activities
Makes it illegal to sell, use, explode, or possess any fireworks except those specifically permitted by Arizona law.
A.R.S. § 36-1605: Civil Penalties
Establishes $150 civil penalty per violation for unauthorized fireworks use. Sellers face $1,000 per violation for selling fireworks for unauthorized use.
A.R.S. § 36-1608: Criminal Penalties
Violations constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.
A.R.S. § 36-1610: State Land Violations
State Fire Marshal may impose $1,000 civil penalty for each incident of prohibited fireworks use on state land.
A.R.S. § 36-1607: Seizure Authority
Authorizes the State Fire Marshal, Arizona Highway Patrol, sheriffs, peace officers, and municipal/county fire marshals to seize illegal fireworks and combustibles.
Penalties for Illegal Fireworks in Arizona
Fines and penalties vary significantly by jurisdiction.
State-Level Penalties:
- Civil penalty: $150 per violation (A.R.S. § 36-1605)
- Criminal: Class 3 misdemeanor (A.R.S. § 36-1608)
- State land violations: $1,000 per incident (A.R.S. § 36-1610)
City-Specific Penalties (as of 2025):
- Phoenix: Up to $1,500
- Scottsdale: $1,000
- Tempe: $1,000 civil penalty plus emergency response cost recovery
- Mesa: Up to $1,500
- Chandler: $750
- Gilbert: $1,000
- Peoria: $750
- Surprise: $150 to $1,000
- Glendale: Up to $750
Criminal penalties for Class 3 misdemeanors in Arizona include up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500 plus surcharges.
Local Ordinances: How Arizona Cities Regulate Fireworks
A.R.S. § 36-1606 establishes state preemption but allows cities and counties limited authority to regulate permissible fireworks.
Maricopa County Jurisdictions (Population Over 500,000):
Cities can:
- Regulate sales consistent with NFPA 1124 standards
- Prohibit fireworks within one mile of preservation lands (cities owning 15,000+ acres)
- Ban fireworks within one mile of municipal/county preserves, parks, conservation areas, national forests during Stage 1+ fire restrictions
- Prohibit use between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. (except July 5 and January 1)
- Set additional time restrictions through noise ordinances
Phoenix: Prohibits fireworks within one mile of South Mountain Park, North Mountain Preserve, and other designated preservation lands.
Tempe: Enforces strict adherence to state dates; $1,000 civil penalty applies.
Scottsdale: Additional restrictions near McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Mesa: Aggressive enforcement; deployed 27 detectives on July 4, 2025.
Pima County Jurisdictions:
Tucson: Follows state guidelines with additional restrictions near Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park.
Smaller Counties:
Cities have more limited authority, primarily restricting use during Stage 1+ fire restrictions.
2024-2025 Enforcement: Record Seizures
Mesa Police Department
July 2024: Seized 84,000 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks—Mesa’s largest single bust. The operation involved 27 detectives and took several days to complete. Police issued 13 criminal citations and 14 civil citations over the July 4 holiday.
Additional 2024 Seizure: Over 2,000 boxes of illegal fireworks valued at $1 million, stored at a Chandler facility. Required four semi-truck loads to remove 95 pallets.
June 2022: Two separate busts totaling nearly $12,000 in illegal fireworks, including 1,665 packages from one residence where George Baber faced weapons and fireworks charges.
Mesa officials report the 84,000-pound seizure highlighted a critical gap: Arizona law treats illegal fireworks sales primarily as civil sanctions rather than criminal offenses, limiting deterrence.
Fire Restrictions and Emergency Bans
Stage 1 or higher fire restrictions immediately suspend all fireworks use, even during permitted dates.
What Triggers Fire Restrictions:
- Drought conditions
- High winds
- Low humidity
- Active wildfire activity
- Extreme heat
Federal agencies (Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service) and state agencies can implement restrictions independently. Local jurisdictions must comply.
During 2024-2025, Arizona experienced unprecedented wildfire activity, with over 1,000 fires reported early in the season, putting the state on track to break historical records.
Where Fireworks Are Prohibited
Beyond aerial fireworks’ statewide ban, additional location restrictions apply:
Always Prohibited:
- Within one mile of municipal/county preserves during fire restrictions
- Within one mile of designated preservation lands (Phoenix, Scottsdale)
- On state land (additional $1,000 penalty)
- National forests and wilderness areas
Check Local Restrictions Before Using:
- Near open space parks
- Residential areas with noise ordinances
- HOA-controlled communities
Enforcement Challenges and Strategies
Arizona faces significant enforcement obstacles despite aggressive efforts.
Primary Challenges:
- Officers must witness violations to issue citations
- High call volume overwhelms resources during July 4
- Limited criminal penalties for sellers
- Cross-border purchases from neighboring states
Mesa’s 2025 Enforcement Strategy:
- 27 detectives assigned to July 4 fireworks calls
- Street crime detectives monitoring social media for illegal sales
- Proactive undercover operations at pop-up tents
- CityLink app for resident reports (527 reports in 2024)
Despite these efforts, Mesa issued only 27 total citations (13 criminal, 14 civil) during July 4, 2025, reflecting the difficulty of catching violators in the act.
Why Arizona Bans Aerial Fireworks
Arizona’s restrictive fireworks laws respond to extreme wildfire risk in the state’s arid climate.
Fire Risk Factors:
- Low humidity
- Dry vegetation year-round
- High temperatures
- Strong seasonal winds
- Dense urban-wildland interfaces
In 2021, Utah saw 500 acres of wildland burned from fireworks use. Arizona officials cite this as evidence supporting restrictions.
Wildfire experts describe Arizona’s current fire conditions as unprecedented, with early-season fire counts suggesting record-breaking activity.
Professional Displays and Permits
Licensed pyrotechnic operators can conduct public displays using aerial fireworks with proper permits.
Requirements:
- State Fire Marshal licensing
- Local jurisdiction permits
- Comprehensive safety plans
- Liability insurance
- Trained personnel
- Compliance with NFPA 1123 and 1124
Private individuals cannot obtain permits for personal aerial fireworks use under any circumstances.
What Legal Experts Say About Arizona Fireworks Laws
Arizona’s fireworks regulations reflect a balancing act between public celebration traditions and severe wildfire prevention needs.
The state’s “threading the needle” approach permits limited ground-based fireworks during holidays while maintaining absolute bans on aerial devices.
Legal analysts note the enforcement gap: civil penalties for sellers provide insufficient deterrence for large-scale illegal operations, as demonstrated by Mesa’s 84,000-pound seizure.
Mesa City Council members, including retired fire captain Mark Freeman, have called for stronger criminal penalties, stating that 84,000 pounds “ought to be criminal at some point.”
State law limitations prevent cities from imposing more restrictive regulations on permissible fireworks, forcing municipalities to work within narrow enforcement parameters.
Recent Legislative Developments
2024-2025 Legislative Session:
Multiple bills proposed updating Arizona’s fireworks statutes, including:
- SB 1479: Raised minimum age to purchase fireworks from 16 to 18
- SB 1334 and SB 1667: Addressed agricultural exemptions and licensing
- HB 2602: Proposed “full-line consumer fireworks” category (not passed)
None of these bills fundamentally altered the aerial fireworks ban or expanded permissible categories.
The State Fire Marshal adopted NFPA 1124 (2013 edition) governing manufacture, transportation, storage, and retail sales standards.
FAQ: Arizona Fireworks Laws
Q: Can I bring fireworks from Nevada or Mexico into Arizona?
No. Possessing illegal fireworks in Arizona is a crime regardless of where you purchased them. Aerial fireworks legal in Nevada are illegal in Arizona.
Q: Are sparklers legal in Arizona?
Yes. Wire sparklers and flitter sparklers are permissible consumer fireworks. You must be 16 or older to purchase them and use them only during permitted dates.
Q: What happens if I use legal fireworks outside permitted dates?
You face a $150 civil penalty per violation plus potential local fines up to $1,500 depending on jurisdiction.
Q: Can my HOA ban all fireworks?
Yes. Private communities can establish fireworks restrictions beyond state law.
Q: What if the governor declares a fire emergency?
Fire officials can immediately prohibit all fireworks, including permissible consumer fireworks, during Stage 1 or higher fire restrictions.
Q: Can I use fireworks on my private property?
Only permissible consumer fireworks during authorized dates and times. Aerial fireworks remain illegal even on private property. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.
Q: Do police need to see me lighting fireworks to cite me?
Generally yes. Most jurisdictions require officers to witness violations or obtain sworn statements from witnesses with photo/video evidence.
Q: Are fireworks legal on Native American reservations in Arizona?
Tribal lands may have different regulations, but possessing illegal fireworks off-reservation remains a crime under state law.
Q: What’s the penalty for causing a wildfire with fireworks?
Beyond fireworks violations, you face potential felony charges for criminal damage, arson, or reckless burning. You’re also liable for firefighting costs, property damage, and personal injury claims.
Key Takeaways for Arizona Residents
- All aerial and exploding fireworks are illegal statewide year-round—no exceptions
- Ground-based fireworks legal only during specific dates (June 24-July 6, December 26-January 4)
- Must be 16+ to purchase permissible fireworks
- Use prohibited between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. (except July 5 and January 1)
- Fines range from $150 to $1,500 depending on jurisdiction
- Fire restrictions immediately suspend all fireworks use
- Check local ordinances—cities have additional restrictions near preserves and parks
- Officers generally must witness violations to cite
- Mesa Police conduct aggressive enforcement with dedicated detective teams
- Professional displays require licensing and permits—no personal use permits available
Arizona’s fireworks laws prioritize wildfire prevention in an increasingly fire-prone climate. With record enforcement efforts including the 84,000-pound Mesa seizure and ongoing legislative discussions about criminal penalties, residents should carefully verify compliance before purchasing or using any fireworks.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah