Tucson News NowFireworks a luxury burning Arizona can't afford

Hundreds of thousands of acres are burning in Arizona. Houses are gone, parks are closed and power lines were threatened.

Yet, for the first time in decades - we are selling fireworks and allowing residents to set them off. 

These pictures were taken Thursday night at a fire in Oro Valley that was caused by fireworks. And it won't be the last. 

Fire officials estimate that more than 22,000 fires a year are caused by people shooting off their own fireworks.

Think about it. 

These Arizona wildfires are serious - they are setting records. So, why would we increase the risk of more fires by selling fireworks and continuing to let residents to set them off?

I realize the law allows people the right to buy fireworks in Arizona. But our state is a tinderbox and now is the time for drastic action. 

Let's cancel the fireworks. 

Let's ask our residents to give up the sparklers this year even in the unincorporated areas. And, just like 2002, let's make the firework shows use lasers instead of combustible fireworks. 

Let's protect our beautiful state.