Chandler Police have established a specialized unit to address the use of illegal fireworks during the July 4 holiday weekend. The initiative aims to manage the surge in calls related to unauthorized pyrotechnics, allowing general patrol officers to focus on other emergency and non-emergency duties within their assigned areas.
According to city regulations, several types of aerial and explosive fireworks are prohibited within Chandler limits. The banned items include sky rockets, bottle rockets, firecrackers, reloadable shell devices, Roman candles, aerials, and single-tube devices that produce loud bangs. Residents who launch these prohibited items face a fine of one thousand dollars.
Authorities emphasize that the focus is on airborne fireworks due to the potential for serious injuries and the risk of starting fires, particularly given the current dry conditions. The Chandler Police Department noted that holiday weekends typically result in a significant increase in calls to dispatchers. By creating a dedicated group to handle firework-related incidents, the department hopes to improve overall response efficiency.
Sgt. Sam Wagner of the Chandler Police Department explained that this specialized team allows patrol officers to remain available for other calls. He stated that the goal is to ensure that emergency lines remain open for critical situations. Wagner urged the public to report illegal fireworks using the non-emergency phone line rather than 911. He noted that there are limited lines available for emergency calls, and using the non-emergency line helps ensure that individuals with urgent needs can reach dispatchers quickly.
Wagner added that calls regarding illegal fireworks can be addressed at any time, making the non-emergency line the appropriate channel for these reports. The city continues to remind residents that the use of the banned fireworks carries strict penalties.
