Reducing the Use of Fireworks Through Local Ordinances
In 2022, the Arizona Legislature passed a law allowing cities and towns to limit the overnight use of consumer fireworks, except for a two-hour window on July 4 and December 31. While this legislation represents meaningful progress, it does not take effect automatically. Each municipality must adopt a local ordinance to enforce these restrictions.
If adopted, the ordinance would prohibit the use of consumer fireworks between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. year-round, with the only exceptions being a two-hour period on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. You can view the statute here.
Animal Defense League of Arizona (ADLA) and Humane Voters of Arizona (HVA) are forming a volunteer task force to help pass this ordinance in communities across the state.
Background on the Fireworks Law
The 2022 legislation—sponsored by Senator J.D. Mesnard and Representative Amish Shah—authorizes Arizona cities and towns to restrict overnight consumer fireworks use. Rep. Shah, an emergency medicine physician and long-time advocate for animal welfare, introduced the measure out of concern for the serious risks fireworks pose to animals, people, and the environment.
Although this law does not eliminate fireworks entirely, it is a significant step forward. Regulating consumer fireworks has historically been difficult. Since a 2009 law allowed the sale of certain fireworks to consumers, neighborhoods across Arizona have endured near-constant explosions—not just on legal holidays, but for weeks at a time due to widespread access at temporary roadside stands.
Fireworks cause:
- Severe distress for veterans with PTSD
- Injuries, deaths, and displacement of pets and wildlife
- Increased intakes at animal shelters, particularly for homeless shelter dogs
- Higher costs for taxpayers, donors, rescues, and shelters
- Added strain on law enforcement and first responders
- Increased risk of wildfires, especially during drought conditions
Why Local Action Matters
For years, cities—especially in Maricopa and Pima Counties—have had limited authority to regulate fireworks. A 2014 state law barred municipalities in those counties from restricting fireworks use around holidays.
Compounding the problem, Senator David Gowan, a fireworks salesman, introduced legislation in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2025 to legalize aerial fireworks in these counties. These fireworks shoot up to 100 feet into the air and explode, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury and fire.
Just weeks before the 2025 bill was introduced, a New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Hawaii killed six people and seriously injured 20 others. The explosion involved an illegal aerial cake firework—the same type that the Arizona bill sought to legalize. Six of the victims were flown to a Phoenix burn center for treatment.
Thanks to strong opposition from ADLA, HVA, animal protection organizations, rescues, shelters, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement, and concerned citizens, efforts to legalize aerial fireworks have been defeated so far.
What You Can Do
Local ordinances are essential to protect public safety, animal welfare, and our environment.
If you are interested in helping pass this ordinance in your city or town, please contact us at
📧 legislative@adlaz.org
Together, we can reduce the harm caused by fireworks in our communities.