Certain consumer fireworks are now legal to use in Fountain Hills – at least as the new year approaches – but fire officials still preach caution.

Due to a state law revision, the Town Council reluctantly had to approve a change in local regulations in June of 2014 allowing consumer fireworks.

The new state law pre-empted the town’s previous regulations that banned the use of all but “novelty” fireworks items within town boundaries.

However, the state law only allows fireworks to be used during periods around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.

Under the law, certain fireworks can legally be purchased between two periods: May 20 through July 6 and Dec. 23 through Jan. 3.

The fireworks can legally be used June 24 through July 6 and Dec. 24 through Jan. 3.

Permitted fireworks include ground spinners, sparking wheel devices and cylindrical, square, cone and California rocket-shaped fountains.

Novelties such as smoke devices, sparklers, party poppers and snap caps are permitted year-round.