SAFFORD — The City of Safford is coming in line with the state when it comes to regulating fireworks use.
During Monday’s meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the first reading of changes to city code when it comes to fireworks use within city limits.
Under the new code, citizens are prohibited from selling and using any fireworks that rise into the air and explode, or detonate in the air. That includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters, aerial spinners, torpedoes, Roman candles, mine devices, shell devices, and aerial shell kits or reloadable tubes.
“The use of fireworks was previously prohibited within the City of Safford, except for the use of novelty items and public display. The updated version of the regulations allows the use of fireworks during specified times of the year,” said Jamie Embick, Planning and Community Development director for the city.
Sales of permissible fireworks will only be allowed between May 20 and July 6, and from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3 each year. Use of permissible fireworks can only take place between June 24 and July 6, and from Dec. 24 to Jan. 3.
Permissible fireworks include:
● Ground and hand-held sparkling devices
● Cylindrical fountains
● Cone fountains
● Illuminating torches
● Wheels
● Ground spinners
● Flitter sparklers
● Toy smoke devices
● Wire sparklers or dipped sticks
Failure to comply with the new code could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000.
The council will conduct a second reading at a future meeting and, if approved, the changes will go into 30 days after approval.
