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Show Low officials urge residents to avoid personal fireworks during Stage 2 restrictions
Summary
Mayor John Leach Jr. and Fire Chief Randy reminded residents that Show Low is under Stage 2 fire restrictions that prohibit personal fireworks, said the city and the fire district will jointly decide whether the professional fireworks show will proceed, and urged people to call 911 to report smoke or illegal fireworks.
Mayor John Leach Jr. and Fire Chief Randy told residents during a recent mayoral update in Show Low that the city is under Stage 2 fire restrictions and that personal fireworks are prohibited.
The reminder matters because officials said unsafe fireworks use can spark wildfires during dry, windy conditions. Fire Chief Randy said the decision about whether a professional fireworks display will go forward is made jointly by the city and the fire district and can depend on weather conditions as close as the week of or the day of the event.
“We're in stage 2 fire restrictions right now. That prohibits fireworks use,” Fire Chief Randy said. Mayor John Leach Jr. urged residents to report unsafe activity: “If you see smoke, smell smoke, call 911.”
Officials outlined how the professional display is being handled: they are still planning a show but said they will not proceed during red-flag warnings, high winds or dangerous downdrafts. Fire Chief Randy said public-safety patrols and checks have increased recently, and that enforcement can range from education to citations. “We'll keep going and either educate or maybe in some cases, they might get a citation,” he said.
The city encouraged residents to continue participating in Freedom Fest activities while leaving fireworks to licensed professionals and to report concerns to 911 so staff and the fire district can respond.
Officials did not announce a firm decision date for the fireworks display; they said the final call may be made the week of or the day of the event and will depend on current conditions.
