4th of July 2025 in Arizona: What to know about using fireworks during wildfire season

The Fourth of July federal holiday falls on a Friday this year, making a three-day weekend for many.

Some plan to boycott Independence Day events. But for those who want to get out of the house, there are fireworks shows, parties and concerts happening around metro Phoenix. If you plan to light your own fireworks, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and safety guidelines for their use.

Interested in getting out of town? The Arizona Republic has compiled some last-minute getaway ideas to escape the heat. We've also assembled a list of July Fourth hours for grocery stores, post offices and other services around the Valley.

Here is what to expect when traveling throughout Arizona on July Fourth weekend, including traffic issues, event coverage and weather updates.

Follow coverage throughout the July Fourth holiday weekend from Republic reporters.

Fireworks and wildfires: Here's what to know

Arizonans are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day. Meanwhile, brush fires and wildfires are popping up around the state. Here’s how wildfire restrictions could affect your celebrations this Fourth of July.

Arizona state law allowed the use of fireworks between June 24 and July 6, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an extended window until 1 a.m. July 5 for the Fourth of July holiday.

However, this permission comes with a major caveat — Arizonans cannot use fireworks on most public lands, regardless of the dates.

Fireworks were prohibited on most federal and state lands in Arizona, no matter the fire conditions.

Almost all of Arizona’s state and federal lands were currently under Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions, which both prohibit fireworks.

Stage 1 limited open flames, smoking and fireworks, except in designated areas. Stage 2 restrictions were more restrictive, banning nearly all forms of open flame, even in developed campgrounds.

Cities, which may be exempt from some restrictions, often adopt similar bans when necessary. Fireworks were also permanently banned in Phoenix wildland parks like Papago Park, Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.

― Austin Corona

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Tucson, Pima County

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tucson at 1:53 p.m. July 3. This warning applied to Pima County and was scheduled to run through 4:30 p.m.

Meteorologists warned of winds as strong as 60 mph as well as small hail.

"Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows," the National Weather Service said. "This storm is capable of producing damaging winds."

Locations that were impacted included Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Casas Adobes, Drexel Heights, Flowing Wells, Tanque Verde, South Tucson, Three Points, Pascua Pueblo Yaqui Reservation, Tortolita, San Xavier Community, Tucson Mountain Park, Tucson Estates, Valencia West, Saguaro National Park West, Tucson International Airport, Catalina Foothills, Catalina State Park, Summit, Avra Valley and Picture Rocks.

A flash flood warning was also issued for those locations through 4:45 p.m.

― Staff reports

AZ puts brakes on highway closures over July 4th holiday weekend

There are no scheduled closures on state highways over the Fourth of July weekend, but Arizona Department of Transportation officials still cautioned drivers to focus on safety and prepare for delays during holiday road trips.

There could still be unexpected, unscheduled closures in cases of crashes, disabled vehicles, fires or other incidents.

The Interstate 17 improvement project work zone between Anthem Way and the Sunset Point Rest Area north of Phoenix is expected to see heavy traffic over the weekend.

Other highways expected to be busy at times include State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson; U.S. 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam; I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix; and I-8 and I-10 between the Phoenix area and the California state line.

To assist motorists during the holiday, ADOT response units will patrol Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers who need help.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app, or by calling 511. ADOT also gives highway condition updates via its X.com feed at @ArizonaDOT.

― Corina Vanek

Water advisory issued after toxins observed in Lake Powell

The National Park Service issued a water advisory for Lake Powell just before the July 4th holiday weekend after concentrations of a harmful toxin in the water were detected at the high end of safe exposure levels.

Boaters should use caution and avoid unnecessary exposure to the water if fishing, boating or recreating in the area, the Park Service recommended in its July 2 advisory. Recreation remains open throughout the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Cyanotoxins, which are produced by certain types of algae blooms, were detected at the mouth of Antelope Canyon in Lake Powell. Cyanotoxins can be harmful to humans and animals. The algae that create cyanotoxins, called blue-green algae, are natural and common in Arizona and Utah, and can multiply quickly, especially in areas of shallow, warm water.

— Corina Vanek

Which stores are open on July 4?  

In advance of Fourth of July festivities, a grocery store run may be needed. Some stores and other services may be closed or have limited hours. Here’s what we know.  

Walmart and Target: Open during regular business hours on the Fourth of July, varying by location. 

These stores also will be open during their usual hours: Albertson's, Bashas', Food City, Fry's, Safeway and Sprouts. 

These stores have modified hours: Aldi: Closes at 4 p.m.; Costco: Closed.; Trader Joe’s: Closes at 5 p.m.; and Whole Foods Market: Closes at 6 p.m. 

All bank and post office locations will be closed for the federal holiday. Also, FedEx and UPS will not have pickup or delivery services on July 4. 

— Reia Li

Starbucks unveils new limited-edition Fourth of July drink

Just a couple of months ago, Starbucks brought back its seasonal summer menu, including its lineup of fruity Summer Skies refreshers and a brand-new horchata shaken espresso. 

Now, the coffee giant is extending its summer menu lineup with a new limited-edition drink for the Fourth of July. 

The new Firework Frappuccino takes the flavor profile of the seasonal Summer Berry refresher — made up of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors — and adds coconut milk, strawberry puree and vanilla sweet cream, all blended into a frappuccino that reflects the red, white and blue of the American flag. 

“This is a summer vacation in a cup,” Amanda Conaway, one of the drink's developers, said in a news release. 

— Endia Fontanez

Starbucks is adding the new Firework Frappuccino to its menu for a limited time from July 1 to July 7.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4th of July 2025 in Arizona: What to know about using fireworks during wildfire season