Queen Creek public safety officials issue fireworks safety warnings

The sale and use of legal consumer fireworks runs through July 6 and the Queen Creek fire and police departments are reminding residents about the proper way to dispose of fireworks.

Once legal consumer fireworks are used, place them in a bucket of water. Fireworks can still be hot, so the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department cautions against throwing them straight into the trash as that can cause fires and even burn through trash receptacles.

After soaking overnight, residents should bag up the used fireworks and then throw them in the trash. Also, fireworks never go into blue recycle carts.

Legal consumer fireworks include ground and hand-held sparkling devices. Any devices that rise into the air and explode/detonate or fly above the ground — such as sky/bottle rockets, reloadable shell devices, aerial shells and single-tube devices that are shot up into the air — are illegal, according QCFMD.

Legal consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property. Individuals who use, discharge or ignite legal fireworks are responsible and liable for any expenses that might arise if any emergency response that is required.

Residents who suspect illegal fireworks are being used in their neighborhoods can call the Queen Creek Police Department’s non-emergency number at 480-358-3500.