Ten Peoria Residents Evacuated After Fireworks Spark House Fire

I’ve seen how quickly celebrations can turn into chaos—and that’s exactly what happened in Peoria on the night of July 4th. Within just over an hour, two different homes caught fire in separate neighborhoods, both believed to be linked to fireworks that weren’t properly put out.

The first fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. near 75th Avenue and Deer Valley Road. About an hour later, another blaze erupted in a two-story home near 67th Avenue and Jomax Road.

Fire crews from Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix rushed to the scene and managed to contain the attic fire before it completely destroyed the roof. No injuries were reported, thankfully—but both incidents forced families out of their homes, at least for now.

What stands out is how common this kind of thing has become. Peoria Fire-Medical Battalion Chief Ken Wier even said that the Fourth of July is historically their busiest night of the year. That’s not just a coincidence—it’s a warning.

Have you ever thrown used fireworks straight into the trash without soaking them? Most people don’t realize how dangerous that is. If it’s something you’ve done before, now’s the time to rethink it.

What Likely Caused the Fires – It Might Be in Your Trash Tool

Let me be honest with you—I’ve seen this same mistake happen again and again, especially on nights like the Fourth of July.

According to Peoria Battalion Chief Ken Wier, the suspected cause of both fires is something a lot of us do without thinking: tossing used fireworks straight into the trash. If they’re still smoldering—even a tiny bit—they can ignite the trash, and within minutes, your home is at risk.

Chief Wier told ABC 15 that it’s extremely common for people to clean up quickly after the celebrations and unknowingly drop hot fireworks into garbage cans. That one moment of convenience can cost you your entire home.

So if you’ve ever done that—or plan to next time—stop. Douse them in water, and let them sit overnight. That’s the only safe way.

How You Can Stay Safe – Straight From the Fire Department

Let’s cut through the noise. If you love fireworks, I get it—so do I. But we’ve both got to use them smartly. Peoria’s Fire Department didn’t just respond to the blaze—they shared a few must-follow tips that can actually save lives (and homes).

Here’s what Chief Wier recommends:

• Always light fireworks in open spaces, far away from your house, garage, dry grass, or flammable stuff.
• Never let children handle or play with fireworks—no matter how small they seem.
• Once you’re done? Treat them like you would a campfire. That means soaking them completely in water before tossing them out. Or better yet—put them in a metal bucket filled with water overnight.

These aren’t just guidelines—they’re survival steps. If even one of us slips up, the whole block pays for it. Let’s not wait for a siren to learn safety.

A similar tragedy occurred in California when a garage full of fireworks ignited and turned deadly. Read how that incident unfolded here.

Are Backyard Fireworks Even Legal in Arizona? Here’s What You Need to Know

Now here’s something I think you should really be clear about: not all fireworks are legal in Arizona, even if people around you are setting them off.

In Arizona:

• Aerial fireworks (the ones that shoot into the sky) are illegal to use.
• Ground-based consumer fireworks are legal, but only on private property, and only during approved dates.
• Using fireworks on public streets, parks, or near schools? That can get you fined.

So if you’re planning to celebrate in your driveway or backyard, you’re technically allowed—but only with the right kind of fireworks.

And here’s something important: Even if it’s legal, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Use with extreme caution, especially when children or dry conditions are involved.

In Chicago, a quick community response helped limit the damage after a residential fire broke out unexpectedly. See how neighbors and police reacted to that emergency.

What People Near the Fire Are Saying – And What You Might Be Thinking Too

If you live in a neighborhood like mine, you’ve probably had at least one moment where you saw someone lighting fireworks way too close to homes or trees.

As per AZ Family, Sean Koester, whose parents live near the home that caught fire, said it best:

“Pretty scary, I think we should have a designated place to let these off so that this kind of stuff doesn’t happen.”

I agree with him—and maybe you do too. Fireworks are fun, but they don’t belong in tight, residential streets. Maybe it’s time we start having conversations in our own housing societies or apartments about setting boundaries. Could your neighborhood set up a safe, open firework zone?

One change in mindset can protect dozens of families. Let’s talk to each other before disaster forces us to.

Have you seen similar fire risks in your neighborhood during fireworks? Drop a comment and share what your area is doing to stay safe.

How Many Families Were Affected – And Why It Could’ve Been Worse?

Let me tell you straight—this could have been so much worse.

Thanks to the quick work of fire crews from Peoria, Glendale, and Phoenix, the attic fire was stopped before it destroyed the entire two-story home. The roof was saved, and no injuries were reported—not to firefighters, not to residents.

Still, several people were forced out of their homes, just because of a few used fireworks tossed into a trash bin.

You and I both know how precious home is—your memories, your safety, your sense of control. It takes years to build and minutes to lose.

So let this be more than just news. Let it be a reminder that fire prevention doesn’t start with fire—it starts with habits.

For bite-sized fire safety updates and emergency alerts, join this WhatsApp news feed trusted by homeowners across neighborhoods.

Simple Fireworks Safety Checklist You Can Actually Follow

Look—I’m not here to kill your celebration vibe. I’m here to make sure you don’t become the next headline.

So here’s a no-BS fireworks safety checklist you can follow every time:

• Always light fireworks in a wide-open area—nowhere near your home, car, or dry bushes
• Never, ever let kids handle fireworks—even the “safe” looking ones
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby while using fireworks
• Once done, soak the used fireworks thoroughly in a metal bucket with water overnight
• Don’t throw fireworks straight into the trash
• Avoid using fireworks on windy days
• Check local restrictions—just because your friend does it doesn’t mean it’s legal

You don’t need to memorize this—just screenshot it or print it. Hang it near your garage or storage area before July 4 or New Year’s. Trust me, future-you will thank you.

Just weeks ago, a similar situation in Baltimore County left a family of three displaced after a house explosion.

What to Do If You Spot a Fire Starting?

Let’s say you’re enjoying the evening and suddenly see smoke rising from a neighbor’s trash bin—or worse, from a rooftop. What do you do?

Here’s what I’d do—and what you should too:

• Step 1: Call 911 immediately — Give them your address, cross streets, and what you see (like “flames from attic” or “trash fire near garage”)
• Step 2: Alert anyone nearby to evacuate—shout if needed
• Step 3: If you’re trained and it’s safe, try to contain small fires with a garden hose
• Step 4: Record short videos/photos from a safe distance—it helps with investigations & insurance
• Step 5: Warn nearby homes—fires spread shockingly fast
• Step 6: After the fire, talk to fire officials and your insurance provider if affected

We all assume someone else will act. But in a neighborhood, you might be the first line of defense. One phone call, one quick action—it can literally save lives.

Final Thoughts

Fireworks are meant to bring joy—not destroy homes. But as we’ve seen in Peoria, one careless mistake like tossing a warm firework into a trash can can turn celebration into crisis.

If we each commit to safer practices and start community-level conversations, we can protect our homes and still enjoy the festivities.

Want to stay updated on fire-related incidents and prevention tips? Visit our website Build Like New for real-life stories and practical advice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or safety advice. Please refer to your local fire department or city regulations for official guidance. Always consult professionals in case of fire-related emergencies or fireworks use.