As part of an ongoing operation ahead of Fourth of July celebrations, the Glendale Police Department said it’s seized hundreds of illegal fireworks.
On Monday night, Glendale detectives and officers hit four locations and confiscated enough fireworks to fill the beds of four pick-up trucks. The department wouldn’t say how many people were arrested, only that the cases have been submitted for class one misdemeanor charges, punishable by fines up to $2,500 and six months in jail.
Across the Valley, the Fourth of July generates more calls for emergency responders for things like injuries and fires. Fireworks that explode or detonate in the air are illegal in Arizona. Fireworks that are allowed include sparklers, party poppers, snakes and smoker devices.
In May, the Phoenix Fire Department said it was considering adding extra crews for holiday coverage. On a typical day, Phoenix gets between seven and 21 fire calls. The department reviewed data going back to 2018 and found that on New Year’s Day, calls increased 161%. On the Fourth of July, calls jumped 176%.
