Tempe PD uses massive fine as stick in 'zero tolerance' 4th of July crackdown on illegal fireworks

The department will have extra officers on patrol this holiday.

PUBLISHED JUL 3, 2024

The annual event raises funds for local youth organizations. (Photo: Peter Spencer)

Tempe, Arizona: The Tempe Police are laying down the law this 4th of July. The department will have extra officers on patrol this holiday, and one of the main reasons for that is to curb the use of illegal fireworks. Fireworks can cause fires. They also can be stressful for veterans, Autistic people, those with asthma and many pets. Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for pet rescues due to panicking pets.

Everything you need to know about safe and legal use of fireworks in Queen Creek, Arizona. (Public service charts courtesy Queen Creek PD) — Everything you need to know about safe and legal use of fireworks in Tempe, Arizona.

Keeing all this in mind, the city has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for their use. A person violating fireworks ordinances can be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000. The ordinance also allows Tempe to recoup expenses if emergency services are needed in conjunction with the illegal use of fireworks.

Fireworks like Roman candles, firecrackers and bottle rockets require a special permit by Tempe Fire Medical Rescue. Some small fireworks are permitted, such as sparklers.

Report illegal fireworks at 480-350-8311