PEORIA, Ariz. (June
13, 2011) – Fourth of July is the traditional time to celebrate with
fireworks in most cities around the country. Not in Peoria. At least not this
year.
In response to a new
state law legalizing the sale and use of fireworks in Arizona, the Peoria City
Council last November enacted a one-year ban on the use fireworks in the city.
While the state law
permits cities to regulate the use of fireworks, it prevents them from
prohibiting their sale.
City officials are
concerned people will see fireworks for sale in Peoria and assume it is legal to
use them here too. To combat this perception, the city requires sellers to
indicate at the cash register that the use of fireworks in Peoria is prohibited.
Fire Department
officials say it is important to have this ordinance promoted to address various
concerns, including:
-
The extreme danger of
fire due to dry weather conditions.
-
The possibility of
fires spreading from yard to house.
-
The possibility of
fires spreading across open areas and causing major damage to undeveloped
areas.
-
The high cost of
combating wildfires.
The ban does not apply
to professionally managed fireworks shows, such as the Fourth of July
All-American Fest at the Peoria Sports Complex.
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For more
information, contact Larry Rooney, deputy fire chief, at 623-773-7905 or
larry.rooney@peoriaaz.gov.
