Personally Owned Fireworks: Can we or can’t we?

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Garrett Smith
  • 355th Security Forces Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Can we or can we not own fireworks? This is a question that many Arizona residents have been asking ever since the law banning their sale was overturned back in 2010. The simple answer is... it's not that simple. Arizona law states:

"The sale and use of permissible consumer fireworks are of statewide concern. The regulation of permissible consumer fireworks pursuant to this article and their use is not subject to further regulation by a governing body, except that an incorporated city or town may regulate the use of permissible consumer fireworks within its corporate limits and a county may regulate the use of permissible consumer fireworks within the unincorporated areas of the county during times when there is a reasonable risk of wildfires in the immediate county."

So, what does this mean? It means it is legal to buy and sell consumer grade fireworks. However, it may be illegal to use them within city, town, or county limits, depending on the risk of fire danger. Of course, we live in a desert, and with our hot and dry climate, fire danger in the valleys is always a big concern. Arizona residents need to check the local policies within their communities in order to know if and when residential style fireworks are authorized to be lit. Currently, the city of Tucson does not allow the use of fireworks without a special permit being granted by the City of Tucson.

Now, the question all of you are asking, "What does this mean for D-M?" This one is simple. The use of fireworks on base is prohibited. The D-M supplement to Air Force Instruction 32-2001, the fire protection operations and fire provention program, paragraph 3.4.5.15.2, states, "The individual use of fireworks on D-M is prohibited. Fireworks used during sponsored activities, such as the Fourth of July celebration, will be set up and discharged by personnel from a state licensed commercial firm."

The good news is that each July 4, the 355th Fighter Wing sponsors an outstanding Independence Day Celebration which culminates with a display of commercial grade fireworks for everyone to view and enjoy. Base residents and their families are encouraged to come out and join their fellow Airmen in the celebration of our Nation's birthday in style.

For more information on this topic, personnel can contact the 355th Civil Engineer Squadron's deputy chief of fire emergency services at 228-4758 or the 355th Security Forces Squadron's non-commissioned officer in charge of operations at 228-7447.