In what would otherwise be the first Fourth of July when plain folks could legally set off fireworks, the Pima County Board of Supervisors is looking to ban them today due to the high risk of wildfires.
The discussion at this morning's board meeting will also look at shutting down the big shows staged annually by the large resorts, stretching mostly along Tucson's north side.
Shows in Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley would not be affected, and representatives of those communities said scheduled fireworks displays are currently going forward as planned.
After years of rejecting proposals to allow Arizonans to buy and shoot off fireworks, the Legislature relented last year and made them legal. The change took effect in late 2010.
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Under the new law, local jurisdictions have no authority to prohibit the sale of fireworks, but cities have the power to ban their use, which Tucson has done. Counties can halt their use only in times of high fire danger, such as what the entire region is experiencing now.
Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said the problem is serious enough that he'll take a hard-line stance against violators.
If the supervisors pass the ban and the County Attorney's Office signs off on its being a criminal violation, "we'll take violators to jail. That's our intent," he said.
In recent weeks, before the eruption of the fires in Cochise County, supervisors had been granting fireworks permits for the upcoming holiday, including one to USA Raceway south of Tucson, but with the caveat that the fire district in the area would have the final say.
Now, with six permits pending - for Loews Ventana Canyon, Skyline Country Club, Tucson County Club, Westin La Paloma Resort, Pima County Fairgrounds and Ajo - supervisors appear to be shifting their stance.
Conditions are so dry that a single spark can trigger blazes. The U.S. Army said last week that a fire on Fort Huachuca was caused when the blade of a bulldozer hit a rock and caused a spark.
"I think we need to cancel the events at this point," said Supervisor Richard Elías, a Democrat. "It's so unfortunate. No one wants to do harm to the tourism and hotel industry, especially in light of what they've been through the last couple years, but I think we'd be naive to say it's all OK."
Deputy Dawn Barkman with the Sheriff's Department said several citations have been issued after visitors to Mount Lemmon have pulled over to have a smoke break, when they are supposed to go directly to Summerhaven without stopping.
Democratic Supervisor Ramón Valadez said the fact that deputies have had to do that indicates "there isn't an appreciation of the fire hazard we're facing as a community. I'm leaning toward an overall ban at this point, since I don't want to take the risk."
Republican Supervisor Ann Day, who represents the area where many of the resorts are, said she agrees. "Conditions are too extreme, and the stakes are too high," she said. "I think the emergency ordinance is a common-sense measure."
County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, in a memo to the board, indicated the National Fire Protection Association has determined "far more" fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day of the year, with more than half triggered by fireworks.
So far, the other jurisdictions remain committed to having their fireworks displays.
Gilbert Davidson, the town manager of Marana, said the town will press forward with its third annual show in the Continental Ranch and Cortaro Road area. The Arizona Daily Star is one of the sponsors of the event. Davidson said the town is proceeding with input from the Northwest Fire/Rescue District.
"We would encourage people to go to this type of a show rather than trying to do something in their neighborhood," Davidson said. "I do worry about people in the region putting on their own shows and then having it spiral out of control."
Oro Valley has granted a permit to the Hilton El Conquistador and has not revisited that decision, said acting Town Manager Greg Caton.
The city of Tucson has permitted three events - at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and the big annual celebration at "A" Mountain. Capt. Trish Tracy, a Tucson Fire Department spokeswoman, said none has been canceled to date, and fire inspectors will be assigned to each site. Fire staffers will wet down "A" Mountain, as they have in past years, and crews will be assigned to each event.
If it's windy or if it rains, and the inspectors decide a fire danger exists, the event can be canceled the day of the show.
Contact reporter Rhonda Bodfield at rbodfield@azstarnet.com or 573-4243.
