The Lake Havasu City Fire Department wishes everyone a very happy and safe upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend and wants to remind residents and visitors of what types of fireworks are legal within the City, when they can be used, and how to safely use them. To reduce the risk of injuries and fires community members are encouraged to attend authorized firework displays put on by trained professionals.

For those that choose to celebrate at home, we ask that you understand the risks of handling fireworks and know how to prevent serious injury. Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day, but it is important to remember that they can be dangerous. 

The use, discharge, or ignition of consumer permissible fireworks on your private property within city limits is only allowed from June 24 through July 6 and December 24 through January 3 of each year, except when a city, federal or state agency implements fire restrictions on these dates. 

Consumer permissible fireworks are ground-based devices that only emit showers, flames, sparks or smoke. Aerial devices and explosive firecrackers, which leave the ground, are prohibited at all times. Some examples of prohibited aerial consumer fireworks are sky lanterns, bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, M80s and cherry bombs.

If you still choose to use or allow your children to use legal fireworks, here are a few very important safety tips to follow at all times:

• Never allow young children to play with, or ignite, fireworks, including sparklers.  Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. 
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly. 
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.  Soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.  Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure you are only using fireworks that are legal in your area and only purchase fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

• For more fireworks, safety tips visit 
  CPSC.GOV/FIREWORKS

This holiday is associated with a number of runaway pets, due to the loud noises of fireworks and people with conditions such as post-traumatic stress may experience difficulties during fireworks explosions. Because of this, the City asks residents to be respectful of neighbors when setting off legal fireworks.

If you have any questions regarding the use, sale, or possession of fireworks, please contact the Lake Havasu City Fire Marshal’s.