With the Diamond Fire in north Scottsdale and other fires throughout the state, some residents may have concerns about the Town of Fountain Hills’ Fourth at the Fountain fireworks display. Are fireworks safe when there is such a high wildfire threat in the region? The answer is yes.
The annual Fourth at the Fountain fireworks display is a patriotic pyrotechnics spectacular with the fountain as part of the visual backdrop. People come from around the region to enjoy live music, prizes, Splash Pad for the kids, and the fantastic scenery unique to Fountain Hills. The Town’s fireworks display is run by a professional, licensed, and permitted pyrotechnic company. In addition, the Fountain Hills Fire Department oversees the operation to ensure that any sparks don’t become a fire.
The Fire Department wants to remind people that any firework that shoots in the air, whether they explode or not, is illegal to use year-round in Arizona. Illegal fireworks include sky or bottle rockets, firecrackers, and aerial fireworks. The State allows consumer fireworks between June 24 and July 6, as well as Dec. 24 and Jan. 3 each year. Allowed consumer fireworks in Fountain Hills include Roman candles, ground and hand-held sparkling devices; cylindrical/cone fountains; illuminating torches; wheels; ground spinners; flitter sparklers; toy smoke devices; wire sparklers, and dipped sticks.
It’s not just fire danger residents should be cautious of, but the risk of injury, too. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2021 there were 11,500 emergency room visits due to injuries caused by fireworks.
Family pets, especially dogs, are often frightened by the sound of fireworks. To protect your pets:
- Keep them indoors and close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks.
- Put on some music or TV to mask the sounds of the fireworks.
- Ignore the firework noises yourself to avoid raising alarms with your pet.
If you do not like watching live fireworks, you can always enjoy the Town’s display on the live EarthCam in your home. Go to the www.experiencefountainhills.org website and see the Fountain and Fourth at the Fountain spectacular live feed.
Fourth at the Fountain
July 4, 2023
6:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Fountain Park - 12925 N Saguaro Boulevard Fountain Hills, Ariz.
Music - Rock Lobster begins at 7:00 p.m.
Fireworks display starts at 9:00 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to engage in games and recreational activities. However, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- No glass items
- No alcohol
- No personal fireworks, sparklers, or open flames
- For the safety of your pets, we recommend leaving them at home due to the fireworks display
The Fourth at the Fountain is an evening of joy, camaraderie, and patriotic celebration. The Town encourages all visitors of Fountain Hills to come together, adorned in their best red, white, and blue attire, and join us for a remarkable Independence Day experience.
For more information and updates, please visit our website at www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2023/fourthatthefountain or follow us on social media @FHParksandRec.