Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to have fireworks at my event?
The simplest answer is: you call or email us as soon as possible and we will happily help determine what type of pyrotechnic display best fits your needs, space, and budget.
How early in my event planning should I really consider adding a fireworks display?
We cannot stress enough that the earlier the better! Many factors affect whether a fireworks display can and will be approved, so the faster decisions are made and all necessary paperwork is submitted, the higher the likelihood that the show will be authorized, making your event significantly more awesome.
How long does it actually take to plan a fireworks display?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the display, the location, the desired date, and the amount of time required both submitting paperwork and receiving approvals. This can range 1 to 2 months at a minimum. To avoid any potential issues, the best thing to do is call to discuss your event plans as early in the planning process as possible. And please, be cautious with companies claiming a “quick” process (what necessary steps are they overlooking?), particularly if your event is around a large firework-associated holiday like the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve.
What if my location doesn’t work?
Unfortunately it does sometimes happen: not all locations are right for pyrotechnic displays. When this occurs we will help you assess a more viable location to suit your needs.
Do I really need a permit for fireworks?
Absolutely! Unless you’re comfortable potentially getting into quite a lot of legal trouble (and we definitely do not recommend that), permits – among other things – are required. Timing can vary significantly by jurisdiction, and notably longer if your venue is within certain distance of an airport. So while we handle the entire process for you, we do ask that you plan as far in advance as possible to prevent any delays.
Is it true that every firework is one effect only?
While many individual shells are single effect, there are also shells that are specifically designed to be multi-effect: containing multiple breaks and effects (e.g. stars, crackle, strobes, etc.) within one shell.
I’ve never heard of PGI, how “highly trained” can you really be?
We’re glad you asked! The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) Display Operators course is the most attended pyrotechnics training course in the country and one of only two courses recognized by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA): the governing body that develops our industry safety standards. And don’t be misled: the other recognized course is through the American Pyrotechnic Association (APA), not a class designed by an individual company or municipality. So while our lead display operators also have City of Phoenix Certificate of Fitness for Pyrotechnicians credentials, all of our pyrotechnicians attend the PGI Display Operators course, which is designed around the most current NFPA regulations.
How can you quote so much less than your competition?
We work extremely hard to keep our costs down! Our insurance rates remain lower than average due to our amazing safety record, and we have a great relationship with our fireworks suppliers and manufacturers, which means we really do get the best products at the best prices, so we don’t need to overcharge for our services. We get to share our savings and provide you with the best pricing possible. This doesn’t always make us the lowest priced entertainment for your special event, but more often than not it does work out that way.
What is an Arizona Gaming License and why does it matter?
Chances are, living in Arizona, you’ve been to a casino or two (or at the very least driven past a few). You’ve probably noticed some dazzling nighttime displays at them, or seen advertisements of an upcoming event they’re hosting that includes fireworks. In order for fireworks to be part of an event at Arizona’s assorted casino properties, the display company providing those stunning pyrotechnic shows must have a current license to do so through the Arizona Department of Gaming. With the enormous amount of money involved on a daily basis, casino gaming is without a doubt one of the highest regulated industries in the country, making it extremely important that companies and individuals doing any sort of business with them must be held to particularly high standards. As such, companies and their employees undergo a thorough background check and certification process to ensure they meet the requirements of all pertinent regulations and hold appropriate insurance and current credentials within their industries. Southwest Fireworks is proud to have held an Arizona Gaming License in good standing for over a decade.
What is your standard insurance coverage?
Let’s be honest here: quality pyrotechnic liability insurance is expensive… and you get what you pay for. The larger the policy is, the more expensive it becomes, bloating your budget and eating away at how much product your show can afford. That’s why it is so important to work with a carrier that focusses on appropriate specialty policies and has the resources to respond swiftly and efficiently. Our provider is the best carrier in the world: Lloyd’s of London. Since we work with the best, using a single carrier for our certificates, we don’t need to mislead you into purchasing exorbitant insurance certificates. Yes, we’ve heard some companies provide $10 million liability “standard”, but in many instances that simply isn’t necessary. The industry standard is from $1 to $5 million. We’re certainly capable of doing the same, but having a blanket strategy of requiring $10 million certificates for every event is excessive and incurs unnecessary expense. You wouldn’t take a yacht to go trout fishing, right? We tailor the insurance to the specific event, providing the coverage your event actually needs, giving you the advantage of keeping more of your budget where it belongs: quality fireworks. If you really want to spend extra money on more insurance than you need, we will of course carry a larger policy, but we prefer to only sell you the coverage your event merits because our interest is in presenting you with world class fireworks entertainment, not in being excessive insurance salesmen.
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Dan Nelson,
President