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Illegal fireworks cause fire

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 9:01 AM MST

Fireworks are illegal for the general public to possess in Arizona, but some choose to ignore the law and celebrate with the contraband on the Fourth of July.

One group of such people learned why personal fireworks are illegal in the dry Arizona desert when they accidentally started a brush fire Saturday.

The group was apparently too eager to wait until the officially sanctioned and professionally handled fireworks show began at the Graham County Fairgrounds and lit their contraband about 15 minutes before the fairgrounds show began.

A fire was started by people illegally setting off fireworks July 4. This brush fire burned an area near the closed Family Dollar on Highway 191, burning almost all the way to the highway. Photo by Aimee Staten

According to Safford Fire Chief Mike Rhodes, the brush fire was started by a rogue firework on Highway 191 close to the closed Family Dollar store.

He said a fire engine quickly made its way to the scene and had the fire put out about five minutes after arrival.

The prompt response allayed the situation, which could have been much more disastrous had the event not taken place so close to the fairgrounds. Rhodes said his department always keeps one fire engine ready at the fairgrounds in case of fires from the sanctioned show or illegal ones that are set off around them.

"There's so many fireworks there; we always have an engine on standby," he said.

Rhodes said the brush fire was the only one caused by illegal fireworks the Safford Fire Department had to put out that evening.

According to Graham County Undersheriff Jeff McCormies, the county received eight calls for illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July, but he did not know if citations were given. He said a deputy spoke to several individuals who were near the brush fire.

In addition to lighting the fireworks for the show, firefighters also destroyed confiscated fireworks brought to them by law enforcement, including at least 50 or 60 pounds seized by Department of Public Service officers from vehicles returning from New Mexico.

The fireworks were placed in a container and set on fire.

After retiring for the night at 12 a.m., Rhodes and his crew were allowed only three hours rest before being called out to a single-vehicle accident.

According to Rhodes, the vehicle apparently lost control after going through the northern light at the construction zone of the Eighth Avenue Bridge and severed a gas meter. Firefighters wet down the area and made it safe for the gas company to plug the hole.

McCormies told the Courier deputies were sent to the scene at about 2:48 a.m. and discovered a crashed 2003 Oldsmobile sedan.

The driver, Marty Joseph Morales, 44, of Safford allegedly told deputies he hit some signs on the bridge and lost control. The odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected on Morales' breath and a blood sample was sent to the DPS Crime Lab for testing.

Morales was taken to the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center by Southwest Ambulance, and he was treated and released.

Charges relating to DUI are pending the analysis of his blood.

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Comments

28 comment(s)

LegalWise wrote on Jul 18, 2009 4:24 AM:

" I had a neighbor shooting off fireworks for a week before the 4th of July. 2 days after the 4th of July I found a very large firework in my backyard, up against my back wall, right next to my gas lawn mower which was next to a storage room full of chemicals (paint, cleaners). Point is, even though fireworks are illegal, I can't remember a time when I read any headline in the Courier where someone was sent to jail for fireworks. Something really bad has to happen before that headline comes about. "

DANG wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:57 AM:

" Can't we all just get along "

Cont 2 wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:37 AM:

" As for the notes. I just keep my eyes out for stupid things going on like the fireworks. I dont have a notebook so too say but you speak of drugs. Lets talk about the mayjor drug players and see where that leads us. Maybe back to your door????? EDEN is not above the law and neither are you. Trust me when I say that EDEN is being watched and it will come crashing down one day. It has in the past and will fall again in the future.
Regaurds...EDEN OP "

Cont.... wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Threaten people with EDEN JUSTICE!! LOL there is not enough of you out here to even hurt a fly let alone me. I know who you are and you can figure out who I am. LOL that was a good laugh though when you posted it. EDEN JUSTICE..... Still makes me laugh. Thanks for posting that it makes my day go by better when I read it and need a good laugh. "

To sick of you wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:31 AM:

" By the way you do need a license to set off fireworks in the state of Arizona. The person that sets them off needs a license. The person paying for the fireworks at the school was Vaugh Grant. Bought through a company in PHX. The Fire Chief has nothing to do with it and if the person certified wants to set them off amywhere he can as long as it's cleared through the local Police. The licensed person holds all responsibility. Get your facts straight before you spout your findings. "

Well... wrote on Jul 13, 2009 11:08 AM:

" to sick of you...Your comment about "EDEN JUSTICE" sounds a lot like Mountain Meadows mentality to me. But, I can see where you would think you are superior and above the law, coming from this inbred backward valley. Someday your disregard for the laws of the land will catch up to all of you redneck cult followers. "

Keeping Notes wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:49 AM:

" Oh and if your "Keeping Notes" when you go to a Pima High School football game whose the one that donates the fireworks to the boys?? The Town of Pima?? Any of the Pima Business?? The school?? NO it's the Mayor of Eden!! So if were "Keeping Notes" Eden one you Zero! Why don't you go "Keep Notes" on things that matter like drug abuse in the community...etc...etc -- or better yet -- Get A Life!!! "

Keeping Notes wrote on Jul 13, 2009 8:38 AM:

" Keeping Notes? Please!! What makes you so superior? If the Town of Eden wants to have their own fireworks for the 4th what's the big deal? And no you don't have to have a license...there is no such license available by the State of Arizona. If the Fire Chief was notified and on standby then the Town of Eden is as legal as all the other Towns in Graham County when they do their fireworks... "

DMiller wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:56 PM:

" I was grateful for the rain we had out on Cluff Ranch Rd before night set on the 4th. There are always fireworks set off - and we are always afraid our land will burn because of it.
This isn't simply a legal issue. It's a common sense issue. "

sick of you wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:43 AM:

" to eden: why dont you go back where ever it is you came from keep all the notes you want we have somthing hear in eden called EDEN JUSTICE think about it then get out "

To I know 2 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:05 PM:

" Man you have a chip on your shoulder don't ya! NO you didnt flip me off or I would have stopped and broke that finger.:) Just a citizen that is trying to figure out why they are above the law. Know some things that go on out here and just making notes thats all. FLIP me off....LOL Ya right! Guess your thinking of someone else.
From Eden "

daddys girl wrote on Jul 9, 2009 6:09 PM:

" to I KNOW 2: first of all Eden wasn't the one that caught you trespassing and setting off the fireworks, so you should find out the facts before hand. Also, not everyone hates him, just the ones who break the law. "

I know 2 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:47 PM:

" To Eden: you sound like the person that I flipped off the other day!!! I think you are the one that everyone hates because you cause problems. Why don't you just mind your own business and leave everyone else alone!!! "

true edenite wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:43 PM:

" practice makes perfect! "

DPS takes fireworks wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:44 AM:

" I understand that the DPS took a carload of fireworks to our local fire department. Many travlers were caught with illegal fireworks in the Duncan area. Illegal is the word, and common sense is the other, it is dry here in Eastern Arizona and a b rush fire could start very fast. The fairgrounds is not an isolated area, near by is a furniture store, horse corrals and buildings and national guard armory plus churches, and homes, any could have been hit by illegal and wild fireworks. High IQ is not required setting fireworks. "

just wondering wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:08 AM:

" the title states ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.. if the police look the other way, then they have a problem...and Harold , the police are good ole boys as long as they let you or others break the law???? what are they if they bust you for breaking the law?? Still good ole boys?? just curious.. "

wonder wrote on Jul 8, 2009 6:06 PM:

" I wonder if they checked Morales for drugs. "

What if... wrote on Jul 8, 2009 5:47 PM:

" the town's and county's police conduct road blocks each year to look for contraband fireworks? They do it to keep drunks off the roads. Why not do it to keep our property from burning up and possibly killing someone in the process? Breaking the law is breaking the law whether it is illegal drug use, driving drunk or shoot off illegal fireworks. I say to those who are supposed to protect and serve. DO YOUR DUTY! PLEASE??? I value my life, those I love, my property and pay taxes to help pay the police. We deserve better. "

Eden wrote on Jul 8, 2009 5:00 PM:

" Why is it ok for the Colvins to shot them off every year. Heard the cops went out there and they just allowed them too because the Pima Fire Chief and EX- FIre Chief was there? Boy I thought you had to have some license to even have them let alone shot them off. Guess it's who you know and you get out of trouble??? "

honestly wrote on Jul 8, 2009 1:50 PM:

" The replies on here make me wish I were in town with a larger gene pool. Morons, we live in Arizona, where there is no moisture. The county doesn't cut brush out in these open fields. The reason we shouldn't light fireworks, is because there will be large fires, and possible losses of property and possible life. I agree with the comment on our deputy mayor. If he doesn't show better judgment, why would billy bob, and betsy sue?? "

Jeff wrote on Jul 8, 2009 12:33 PM:

" Can't wait to they legalize them (should be soon). I will be shooting them off by new years :) "

Momof4 wrote on Jul 8, 2009 11:47 AM:

" We had people right behind us shooting off fireworks that were landing in our pine trees and Roof Tops and we found some in our yard.. Very sad people dont understand that they could destroy someones life, Property by using these "

Nope wrote on Jul 8, 2009 11:38 AM:

" Boo whoo. Stop your crying. I've been shooting off fireworks at the fairgrounds for several years on the 4th of July. Its an isolated location, and fire crews are on standby. Would you rather people go shoot them off in residential neighborhoods ? "

witness wrote on Jul 8, 2009 11:37 AM:

" i had front row view of the brush fire. they started a smaller fire but they got it out then not even 10minutes later the bigger fire was started, i was one of the ppl who called 911 when the ppl who started the fire we were like 20ft from the fire, the police made us move for our safety. i have some video of the fire. i cant belive they didnt learn there lesson when they started the little fire the first time. "

POOR T-SHIRT wrote on Jul 8, 2009 10:02 AM:

" OOOO your poor t-shirt!! "

Harold wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:53 AM:

" Come on now it was the Fourth of July !!!! I think the cops are alright guys for allowing the citizens of this Great Country a night of firework enjoyment. "

fireworks wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:49 AM:

" well if the vice mayor can get way with it, why not everyone else. thats the type of example that was set "

citations needed wrote on Jul 8, 2009 9:27 AM:

" If our police would give a few citations for illegal fireworks it might prevent locals from setting them off next year. As we left the fairgrounds a group of people were shooting them off one right after another out by the tennis courts and picnic area and the sheriff car drove right by as one went wild between cars and they did nothing about it.
Last year we were parked inside the fairgrounds and someone in the crowd shot one off the sparks fell and landed on me and burned my t shirt. "

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