As December wanes and New Year's festivities inch closer, Arizonians looking to add a spark to their celebrations with fireworks should take heed of local regulations. The City of Surprise has detailed what residents must know when it comes to both selling and igniting these pyrotechnics, emphasizing compliance with the laws in place.
According to a recent release on Surprise's official website, consumers need to be at least 16 years old to purchase fireworks. Celebrators can legally ignite consumer fireworks on private properties, with the property owner's consent, from December 26 through January 4 — except they are not allowed to quickly set these off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following morning. However, New Year's Eve revelers are granted an extension on December 31, permitting the use of fireworks from 11 p.m. through 1 a.m. January 1.
While the city allows the sale of state law-defined permissible consumer fireworks through January 3, Surprise officials encourage caution in the aftercare of these explosive festivities. They urge individuals to "Let fireworks cool completely, soak them overnight in water before bagging them and placing them in your curbside black trash can," a measure aimed at preventing unintended fires. Retailers and consumers alike should be mindful that while private property invites the opportunity to light up the sky, usage of fireworks on public property remains outlawed — this includes streets, sidewalks, and public parks.
Further intricacies of Surprise's fireworks policy span beyond the individual use on New Year's. Residents residing in Homeowner Association (HOA) governed communities should consult their neighborhood guidelines, as additional prohibitions may apply there. The City's communication explicates these details, and for those seeking the full gamut of dos and don'ts, a thorough list of acceptable and non-acceptable fireworks for Arizona is made accessible. To safeguard a compliance that can both elevate celebration and dissuade misconduct, Surprise extends an open channel via their Code Enforcement at 623.222.3013 for reporting violations.
