This Fourth of July weekend, Maricopa County is advising citizens to consider air quality by eliminating activities that emit pollution.
After recent dusty days in the Valley, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality alert earlier this week.
Ari Halpert with Maricopa County said residents are being asked to skip personal fireworks in favor of professional displays.
Most fireworks only last a few seconds, but PM2.5 (smoke) can linger in the air for days or even weeks and pose a serious health risk. Protect your loved ones and neighbors by celebrating July 4th without fireworks. pic.twitter.com/5Yk0EQ3q4y
— Maricopa Air (@MaricopaAir) June 30, 2025
The reason for this,” Halpert said, “is because personal fireworks explode closer to the ground, unlike commercial fireworks, and their smoke lingers at breathing level.”
Other activities to avoid include car travel and wood burning. It’s preferable to use gas and propane when grilling instead of wood because of smoke emissions.
Halpert says more advisories are expected this summer, as dry heat and stagnant air worsen conditions.
Arizona animal rescue says to take precautions when pets, fireworks mix
Fireworks, booming blasts and bright lights are no doubt a staple to Fourth of July celebrations, but they are also the main source of fear and anxiety that cause pets to try to flee from their homes. Sixty seven percent of owners say their pets are afraid of fireworks, according to a 2025 survey by Rover.
Fireworks can reach volumes of 120 to 175 decibels, which is a problem for dogs and cats who already have more sensitive hearing than humans.
Erin Denmark, development and outreach manager at HALO Animal Rescue, said the shelter offers low-cost microchipping services and handles registration for pet owners. She emphasized that updating information is crucial at any time, but especially leading up to holidays like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve.
“And it’s important if you have your pet already chipped to have updated information,” Denmark said. “Make sure your cell phone number is updated and (your) address because once your pet is chipped, then somebody who finds that animal can scan it quite easily and then reunite you with your fur baby.”
For owners who can’t make it to the shelter or their pet’s veterinarian before the holiday, Denmark recommended several tips to keep their best friend comfortable at home.
“A lot of easy steps,” Denmark said. “Put on the TV, have music going, make it a very calm environment and just be with them. Also, make sure that their tag and collar are on with also updated information.”
Shelters around the Valley have unique ways of keeping animals safe and comfortable during the holidays while humans are celebrating. At HALO Animal Rescue, a no-kill facility in North Phoenix, music plays in the shelter overnight to calm the cats and dogs that are up for adoption, while volunteers and staff make sure the animals are socialized during the day to help ease their anxiety through the night.
Whether celebrating at home or out with friends, pet owners are encouraged to plan ahead and take precautions.
Keeping pets indoors, providing comfort and ensuring proper identification can go a long way in preventing holiday heartbreak.
