Cave Creek Mayor Ernie Bunch is restricting the use of consumer fireworks. 

Bunch says his proclamation, which takes effect Tuesday, is due partly to extreme fire danger. He added that Rural Metro Fire, which provides Cave Creek’s fire services, is understaffed due to COVID-19.

“They’re short some people who are actually sitting out because of COVID-19.  They’re sitting at home," said Bunch. "So they’re short-staffed and quite frankly we just can’t afford to have our town catch on fire again.”

In the last month, Cave Creek had two wildfires that required air support and destroyed around 2,500 acres of Sonoran Desert. The fireworks restrictions will be in effect until July 6.

Bunch also added this action is appropriate to commemorate the seven-year anniversary of losing the Yarnell 19.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct the day the proclamation took effect.