Fireworks can be enjoyable and spectacular, especially around holidays; however, they can also cause serious injury and start dangerous fires. For these reasons, both the State of Arizona and the City of Yuma regulate their sale, possession and use.

For many years, ALL fireworks were illegal, except for supervised (by permit) public displays. In recent years, some types of "consumer fireworks" have been allowed. State law restricts the sale, possession, and use by the general public to only those listed as "Permissible Consumer Fireworks" (ARS 36-1606). In general, if it leaves the ground (sky rockets, bottle rockets, etc.), shoots flaming material into the air (roman candles), or explodes (any type of firecracker), it is illegal.

Use of permissible consumer fireworks is further restricted (within the City of Yuma) to private property. City Code (139-002.A) says that "A person shall not sell, offer or expose for sale, use, possess, allow or permit use or possession, or provide the location for the use or possession, of any firework, except as set forth in this chapter or in A.R.S. § 36-1601, et seq. For the purposes of this prohibition only, PERSON means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation, land owner, home owner, primary renter(s), or head of household."

State of Arizona Consumer Fireworks Regulations Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-1606, et al. can be found by clicking the link above.

The large aerial or ground displays, which you might see at public events, are by permit only. "In order for a firework display to be lawfully conducted within city limits, a permit shall be obtained from the City of Yuma Fire Department. No permit shall issue until the Fire Chief, or designee, investigates, assesses, and approves the operator, location, and plan for the handling of the firework display." (City Ordinance 139-003.A).

For more information concerning firework regulations in the City of Yuma, contact the City of Yuma Fire Department at (928) 373-4850.