According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

The Bullhead City Fire Department would like to remind citizens that only “Permissible consumer fireworks” are allowed to celebrate the New Year between December 24 and January 3 within Bullhead City, city limits. Fireworks are not permitted in the Colorado River Nature Center at any time. We would like to encourage all citizens to leave fireworks out of your New Year celebration. If you do choose to use Permissible consumer fireworks, please do so responsibly. It only takes one spark to ignite a fire.

Permissible consumer fireworks defined by APA 87-1:

-Ground and handheld sparkling devices
-cylindrical foundations
-cone foundations
-illuminating torches
-wheels
-ground spinners
-flitter sparkers
-toy smoke devices
-wire sparklers or dipped sticks

Therefore, aerial fireworks (including bottle rockets and skyrockets or fireworks that explode) are not legal in the state of Arizona.

Recommendations for the Safe Use of Permissible Fireworks:

1. Observe all laws concerning use of fireworks.
2. Young children should not be allowed to play with fireworks under any circumstances.
3. Older children should only be permitted to handle fireworks under close adult supervision.
4. Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and flammable materials.
5. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and to douse fireworks that do not properly ignite.
6.  Keep a hose with a shut-off nozzle nearby. The water should be on and the hose should be ready to instantly douse any wayward fires.
7. Do not attempt to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
8. Be sure people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
9. Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting. Be sure to wear protective eyewear. An errant ember could cause permanent eye damage or, in extreme cases, blindness.
10. Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.
11. Sparklers should only be handled by kids older than 12.
12. Make sure that people with lit sparklers stay at least 10 feet apart.
13. Put all used sparklers in the water bucket.

Happy New Year from the Bullhead City Fire Department. Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Fire wise!