Information About Mesa Fireworks Sale and Use During the Holiday Season

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~ Mesa, AZ - As the holiday season approaches, residents of Mesa can now legally purchase consumer fireworks starting December 10th. However, it is important for residents to know what types of fireworks are allowed and when they can be used in order to avoid costly penalties.

According to the Mesa City Council, legal fireworks will be available for sale from December 10th through January 3rd. They can then be used in the city from December 26th until January 4th between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., with extended hours until 1 a.m. on New Year's Day.

While some novelty items such as snappers, party poppers, and sparklers are permitted at all times, there are specific types of fireworks that are only allowed during the designated time frame. These include ground spinners, sparkling wheel devices, and various fountain-shaped fireworks. It is important to note that any fireworks that shoot high into the air are not permitted in Mesa.

On the other hand, there are also several types of fireworks that are strictly prohibited in Mesa. These include bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, aerials, and single-tube devices.

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In an effort to enforce these regulations and ensure public safety, the Mesa City Council has approved criminal penalties for both selling and using illegal fireworks. They have also updated civil penalty fines for those who violate these laws.

Civil penalties include a minimum fine of $500 for using permissible fireworks outside of allowed days or times, using them on city property (excluding right-of-way), or failing to display required signage at a sale location.

For more serious offenses such as possession or sale of illegal fireworks or use of permissible consumer fireworks during stage one or higher fire restrictions near protected areas, individuals may face Class 1 Misdemeanor penalties which include a fine ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 and up to 6 months in jail.

It is also important to note that anyone under the age of 16 cannot purchase permissible consumer fireworks and that a permit is required for any supervised public display of fireworks. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties as well.

Residents can find more information about the sale and use of fireworks in Mesa in Title 6, Chapter 21 of the Mesa City Code. It is crucial for individuals to familiarize themselves with these laws in order to avoid any legal consequences.

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Aside from potential legal penalties, fireworks also have a negative impact on air quality. The Maricopa Association of Governments has warned that winter fireworks celebrations often cause dangerous spikes in fine particulate matter (PM-2.5). In fact, on New Year's Day 2025, one air quality monitor in west Phoenix recorded the third-worst PM 2.5 pollution level in the world, reaching a hazardous level according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

In Mesa specifically, air quality reached a level of 137.1 on New Year's Day, which is more than 15 times above the health standard. This is due to consumer fireworks producing smoke closer to the ground where it can be easily inhaled. These spikes in air pollution are common throughout the valley during holiday celebrations.

In conclusion, while residents of Mesa can legally purchase and use certain types of consumer fireworks during specific times, it is important for them to be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding their use. Not only can violating these laws result in costly penalties, but they also have a negative impact on air quality and public health. It is crucial for individuals to follow these guidelines and celebrate responsibly this holiday season.

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