Have a Safe and Sane 4th of July
San Andreas –
Each
year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging
wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand
against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The
penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks
ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred
for fire suppression.
Illegal fireworks
in California are those that explode, leave the ground, or move
about uncontrollably. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle
rockets, roman candles. Use of any fireworks which causes an injury or
fire may result in a citation or arrest.
Legal
fireworks include a “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire
Marshal on the packaging but some illegal fireworks, especially those
from out of the country,
may have a forged logo on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks
are legal, you can contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility or local fire
station.
Use
Safe and Sane fireworks responsibly, only where permitted, and never
around dead or dying vegetation. Never allow children to use fireworks
without adult supervision. Parents are liable for injuries or damages
caused by their children’s use of fireworks. Check with your local fire
department to see if Safe and Sane fireworks are legal to use in your
area.
Possessing or using any type of fireworks is illegal in the following areas:
- Tuolumne County - all areas including the City of Sonora;
- Calaveras County - Ebbetts Pass Fire District
- All federal lands in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including the Stanislaus National Forest; and along any State highway rights-of-ways.
Fines
for violations start at $240.00 per count, per person. Enforcement
actions will range from misdemeanor citations to felony custodial
arrests.
Because
our area is so dry and vulnerable to fire, CAL FIRE’s
Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Josh White suggests “Rather than using
your own fireworks, plan on attending one
or more of the excellent professionally-produced public firework
displays in our area.”