Some Arizonans’ holiday fireworks took an unexpected toll on everyone’s breathing air this season as fireworks painted the night sky but left the Valley in a haze of air pollution for over a week.
By now, many Valley residents are used to seeing the “Air Quality Alert” on phones or on the freeway, but this last holiday season took a particular toll on the environment and Arizona residents’ health.
The AQI (Air Quality Index) is considered fair or average between the 30 to 40 mark. On New Year’s Eve the city of Phoenix was over 150.
In a post to X (Twitter) Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced that New Year’s Eve 2023 had the highest smoke levels on record since reliable records began. Valley residents have noticed and are not pleased.
Residents took to social media, sharing their surprise, outrage and irritation as fireworks turned into a smelly thick haze, affecting both visibility and the air breathe.
Christmas Eve fireworks in particular surprised many, with some people saying they must be trying to “shoot down Santa.”
Some long-time Valley residents agreed that Christmas Eve fireworks were something “that was never anywhere near New Year’s,” but this holiday season it seems the New Year’s Eve fireworks started a week early.
In fact, some residents are noticing a kind of, “any excuse will do” attitude for setting off fireworks and it’s getting troublesome—there is a growing movement to address this as well as petitions to put a stop to it.
Fireworks are often set off on school and work nights and into the wee hours. They are terrifying to pets as well as other wild animals and this is happening more frequent, even two or even three days ahead of a traditional fireworks celebration that has been expected.
According to the organization Earth.org fireworks, may be spectacular when displayed and profitable when sold—”but they are a real-life horror show for the environment. Put aside the thought of entertainment and moneymaking for a few minutes because the planet we live on is hurting from fireworks.”
Valley residents are saying, “enough is enough” a petition drive was started to limit fireworks in the Valley. There are citywide movements that are beginning to gain momentum as well.
An online petition calling for the ban of consumer fireworks in the state has gathered over 15,000 signatures.
An earlier petition drive cites several reasons why fireworks are harmful including Enforcement Costs—for serious situations including fire or bodily harm. Enforcement Ability— the difficulty identifying violators of certain illegal fireworks and how it distracts from more serious situations. Fire Danger—living in a desert, with arid conditions that present fire hazards regularly. Animal Welfare—both domestic pets as well as wild animals are terrified of fireworks. On the Fourth of July alone, more than 1,000 animals are turned into the Maricopa shelters. This doesn’t count those killed while running loose or injured while trying to escape. Animal abuse is a felony crime; fireworks pose animal abuse.
Clean Air—Valley residents are not allowed to burn wood fires because they contribute to air quality problems that may cause federal fines. But fireworks create air quality impacts that are just as dangerous, especially to those with respiratory issues. Respect for our Veterans—for those suffering from PTSD, veterans, and others, this is horribly disrespectful, Neighborhood Quality—those with jobs, infants, and the elderly need their sleep. Allowing fireworks at night downgrades the quality of our neighborhoods. Conflict of Interest—it also needs to be noted that one of main proponents of the original move for increased fireworks use, including allowing airborne options, came from a legislator who runs a fireworks business. Maybe there should be increased sales taxes payable to the cities that have to foot the enforcement bills?
In an interview with Northeast Valley News, Phoenix resident Susan Thompson shared her Christmas day dismay.
“The haze was unbearable. I’ve never seen anything like it. Christmas day was very hazy, we could smell it in the house,” Thompson said.
One Phoenix resident said that their family’s health was affected by the poor air.
“My nana has been complaining about dry air and the fire smell, she’s always coughing,” Rios said.
Some residents love the fireworks tradition.
Lifelong Arizona resident John Rodriguez expressed this view clearly in an interview with Northeast Valley News.
“It’s a new year and we plan for it. Let people enjoy the festivities. It’s not that big of a deal, I think most people don’t mind dealing with the smoke for a few days,” Rodriguez said.
As evidenced by the thick haze that blankets the Valley during the holidays, Arizonans love their fireworks and aren’t willingly giving them up anytime soon.
Still there may be little choice if the growing number of Arizonans who object to the fireworks increase have anything to say about it.
