YUMA, AZ (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma is changing its current fireworks laws after complaints from the public.

Yuma’s deputy city attorney, Rodney Short, says city councils across the state are constantly receiving complaints, even the day after a holiday.

Now, the city is changing fireworks laws to match state laws.

Short says the big change is time.

“This is the big change. Previously, state laws had holes to allow consumer fireworks, but there was no end time,” says Short. “Currently, Congress intended to end at 1:00 a.m., but it wasn’t actually documented, so it was very difficult to enforce.”

If the new fireworks ordinance is passed, all fireworks will not be launched before 8:00 am on specific days, and fireworks will not be able to be launched after 11:00 pm and 1:00 am on specific days.

On July 4th, you can light permitted consumer fireworks from June 24th to July 6th.

The New Year can spark from December 24th to January 3rd.

Another addition to the ordinance is the payment of higher fines.

“We are allowed to write tickets and now fines of up to $1,000,” Short explains.

All fireworks that are launched in the air are still and always illegal.

Simply put, a person using fireworks to cause a fire could bear all the costs associated with fighting that fire.

“They had to pay for everything,” says Short. “Not just buildings and trees, or any other damage they cause, but all containment costs as well.”

Fire Marshall has also increased its ability to sell fireworks and accept illegal fireworks.

These new changes will go into effect 30 days after being approved by the Council.