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Fireworks ban lifted Monday

Flagstaff cancels its Fourth of July fireworks
Posted at 2:46 PM, Jun 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-24 01:27:45-04

Despite it being wildfire season, starting Monday fireworks are allowed in certain parts of the Valley.

But with dry air and brush throughout the state, the Phoenix Fire Department is asking you to take extra precautions.

"My 19 years as a firefighter, I will say this year it seems like we're getting a lot of brush fires," Captain Ruben Saavedra, with the Phoenix Fire Department, said.

Apache Junction has already banned people from using some fireworks because of high wildfire risk. Cave Creek has also banned its fireworks celebration.

But in Prescott, the fireworks show is happening for the first time in three years. The location has moved to Watson Lake.

"If the lake level drops they'll have to shoot off smaller shells," Don Devendorf, with the Prescott Fire Department, said. "We'll have forest service units along with the city of Prescott units surrounding the lake just in case something sparks."

In cities like Phoenix, setting off fountains and spinners will be allowed. Bottle rockets and any aerial fireworks won't.

Captain Saavedra says before you put fireworks in the trash after using them, put them in a bucket of water.

The National Park Service says 85% of wildfires are caused by people.