The Fourth of July is right around the corner and throughout our communities there will be festivities celebrating American independence. The celebrations this weekend may include parades, concerts, barbecues, and fireworks. Firework booths in the area are open for business now through July 6.
Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District (SCFPD) Interim Fire Chief Eric Holly explained that each booth is inspected prior to opening to ensure that they are selling State Fire Marshal approved fireworks and have preventative safety measures in place. The sales of ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are fundraisers for many organizations.
“We have seen an increase in fire activity compared to this time last year,” said Holly. “We have seen an increase in grass fires throughout the district over this last year mainly because of the drought conditions and all the grass has dried a little bit earlier this year. Statewide there has been a large increase in the number of fires and acres burned. We have seen that large increase and we expect to see more.”
Some tips provided by Fire Chief Holly to have a safe Fourth of July are to have a good clearance when lighting fireworks, keep a safe distance, read directions, never use near dry grass or other flammable materials, always have a bucket of water and a hose handy, and always use them appropriately as they were meant to be used. All legal fireworks have the State Fire Marshal seal on them and any fireworks that leave the ground and explode in the air are illegal.
Cal Fire’s Office has additional safety tips including always have an adult present, never throw fireworks at another person, never experiment with fireworks, and do not wear loose fitting clothing when lighting fireworks. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
“Unfortunately we have to remind people not to throw them at each other or put them in areas where it might light off some grass or some debris or fire hazards,” added Holly. “We have seen people’s clothing catch on fire. If they have loose clothing they can get caught up. The illegal ones tend to be the biggest issue.”
Riverbank Police Services (RPS) Chief Ed Ridenour gave a presentation last week at the City Council meeting on their enforcement strategies for illegal fireworks.
“Illegal fireworks occur not just across Riverbank but across the county and across the country,” stated Ridenour at the meeting. “Last year we saw a significant increase in illegal fireworks activity. It is a huge public safety issue for our community; it directly relates to injuries, loss of property and even loss of life. This year it is even a bigger issue because of how dry the year is. The risk of fire danger and injuries is a real concern.”
RPS will patrol the streets of Riverbank with additional units looking for the illegal fireworks.
“We will try to witness the illegal activity and contact the responsible that is feasible and photograph any evidence as possible and create a report,” remarked Ridenour. “We are having a zero tolerance approach and with our reports we will be working towards administrative citations to the property owners.”
Through the City ordinance any person in possession of illegal fireworks, unlawful discharge of illegal fireworks, and unlawful selling or making of illegal fireworks will be issued a citation. The first offense is $1,000, second offense is $2,000, and the third offense is $3,000.
“One thing I want the public to know is just because you are not contacted by law enforcement that night and you were letting off illegal fireworks doesn’t mean that you are not going to be issued a citation,” added Ridenour. “My direction to our staff is that if we can make contact with people safely then we will. So my direction is to take the evidence that we have there and we will issue an administrative citation and hopefully the following year people realize that it is not a good idea.”
Fire Chief Holly expressed that there have been grass fires in Riverbank this year already and some fires within the county that have been suspected to have been caused by illegal fireworks.
“I know the city of Riverbank has done a really good job of getting out and working with the lots that typically have a lot of grass or debris in them and having those cleaned up this year so that is helpful,” noted Holly. “We appreciate that from them.”
With fires in California progressively getting worse each year due to a combination of things including weather, drought conditions, management of fuels, and human error the hope is for all to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.
Ridenour stated, “Our goal is ultimately to reduce the number of illegal fireworks discharged and possessed within our city. We want to reduce the fire dangers and any injuries that threaten the safety of our residents and the city.”
Illegal fireworks can be reported to the non-emergency police line at 209-552-2472.
