With the Fourth of July weekend off and running, and though this is the first big holiday since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in California, officials are asking for Bay Area residents to cut back on one major tradition — fireworks.
As it stands, only 12 cities in the nine-county Bay Area permit the sale of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.
Much of the region is cracking down on firework use of any kind to prevent fires as severe drought conditions make at-home explosions all the riskier this year.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials set up an illegal fireworks hotline for their county on Friday in hopes of deterring non-professionals from setting off fireworks. Fireworks of any kind are illegal in the county, and the fire district urges any resident to report firework usage or sales at their non-emergency line via (833) 885-2021.
Last Independence Day weekend, the county faced 93 grass, structure and other exterior fires from fireworks. Fire district spokesperson Steve Hill said that although there is no solid data on this year’s illegal firework cases, their use began earlier this year and there have already been some substantial situations.
“I can tell you, we’ve responded to quite a few fires that have been either caused by fireworks or are suspected of being so caused,” Hill said. “Most noteworthy this year is the Memorial Day Antioch fire that destroyed eight apartments and displaced 40 residents – it was started by a single firework thrown into grass behind the complex.”
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is also encouraging limited use of fireworks not only because of the increased chances of fires, but also because of the unhealthy spike in air quality that the region sees annually. Though the bright colors and excessive smoke from safe and sane fireworks might be fun to watch, the district says this is what causes the region to exceed federal air quality standards.
“Many in the Bay Area are excited to celebrate the Fourth of July, especially since we missed the chance last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Air District. “This Fourth of July, it is critical we leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy local fireworks displays to help reduce air pollution and wildfire risks during these extreme drought conditions.”
PG&E also urges residents to adhere to local protocol with fireworks, and if in a permissible area, residents should steer clear of power lines, structures or any flammable materials if they light fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to see public shows put on by professionals, utility officials said.
“While PG&E welcomes the return to holiday gatherings, the company urges its customers to put safety first and stay alert to potential dangers,” the company said in a statement.
If a firework accident does occur, officials ask the public to immediately call 911.
I’m surprised they aren’t saying fireworks will spread the covid-19 variant to persuade people not to set off fireworks.
We will have our usual fireworks party just like we have had with our neighbors for the past 40 consecutive years at different locations.
Anyone remember when the state said that it wasn’t against people having fireworks, just that it wanted for those fireworks to be “safe and sane”?
Dublin still allows those “safe and sane” fireworks as they seem to show no significant dangers if allowing them.
The BOOMS are coming to the city streets!
I wonder how many fires will be started by the rogue idiots blowing off fireworks?
+1
Yes, when will people come to their senses?
Just not the experts from the LAPD Bomb Squad right?
Somewhere in America there are people who began this weekend with 10 fingers but do not know they won’t have 10 by Tuesday.
That has literally happened to no one. Your drama is laughable.
Hang on there folks! Before you insult Doh, let me try to take some of the heat off him.
I’m sue I can think of something to post that is even more idiotic than Doh’s comment….. just give me a minute…… or two….. maybe a bit more….
OK, this is taking longer than I thought, I’ll have to get back to you later…. it may take awhile.
Do typographical errors count?
I said I was sue…. (sure)
I missed the “r” that’s pretty dumb…. too weak?
I’ll work on it.
Sam,
I suggest you speak the staff at the County ER who deal with idiots blowing fingers off every 4th of July. There also have been people blinded, have nerve damage to hands due to burns, burns on their bodies and those who have lost hearing as well. And who pays for the idiots? Well if they have health insurance the contribute to the rise in premiums and if uninsured the tax payers foot the bill
It’s 8 fingers and two thumbs.
@wellfolks
Don’t pester them with facts – reality doesn’t interest them.
Jason Pierre Paul
Sam & Dr. Jellyfinger are calling the results before dark on 4/3. The big show begins 4/4 but thanks for playing.
Try again lib. You started the conversation with your dramatics. Talking about people losing digits. But I’m not surprised or shocked by your hypocrisy. It’s the only thing I can count on with dirty dimwit democrats. But yes do get back to us on how many fingers are lost in our county
OK Doh, you win.
You are the king of stupid posts.
Congratulations…. so, tell us….. who blew their digits off ?
@Sam:
From Wikipedia:
“On July 4, 2015, Pierre-Paul sustained a serious hand injury in a fireworks accident at his home after detonating a firework in his hand, blowing off a significant portion of his finger. Four days later he had his right index finger amputated.”
This one is known because Pierre-Paul is relatively famous. These injuries happen to common folk every year, so for you to write that it has “literally happened to no one” is laughably stupid.
Oh c’mon Rollo ! That was 6 years ago…. he lost one finger … besides that the guy went on to sign a $40 million dollar contract and has continued a successful career, tho his carelessness cost him again in 2019 when he crashed his car (no seat belt on) & fractured his neck…..
he recovered and still plays football. He signed a $25 million deal with Tampa Bay last year & will still be playing if he doesn’t accidentally kill himself first.
OK Jellyfinger, you miss the point entirely. I condone and encourage both public and private firework displays, and believe the danger is completely overstated. Did I write anything that is inaccurate?
I do, however, take issue with stupid, easily refutable hyperbole. Therefore, I take issue with Sam’s stupid statement that loss of digits has literally happened to no one. Hell, if he’d written that it had virtually happened to no one I would have moved on without comment.
@rollo
Fair enough. You destroyed my obvious sarcasm. What do you want, a cookie? Of course it’s happened, but it’s extremely rare. I find it interesting you come at me for hyperbole, yet nothing for the hyperbole and fear mongering about losing digits. It’s ok, I’m not bothered, and will gladly retract my “has literally happened to no one comment” for you, given you have issues with practical reasoning…🙄 Not
@ Rollo,Sam, my comments are beside your point’s and comments….
My comments have their own point….. not necessarily important or pertinent! and I would like a cookie.
No problem with practical reasoning at all. I just prefer that the written language be used properly.
I suppose rarity is a subjective matter.
https://tinyurl.com/2nk8mem3
When and where can we watch the so-called expert fireworks shows in CoCo County this year?
The Hilton’s are putting on their fireworks show this year from Mandeville Point.
https://tinyurl.com/3z2nya9u
I’m not going to post the link, but if you go to Youtube and search “Buttrocket” I think you will see the most irresponsible misuse of fireworks ever…. it’s OK to laugh (nobody got seriously injured) .
Fireworks are sold and fired off with a great deal of gusto here in my new state. Not much chance of a wildfire since it is pretty green here, however, bodily harm and/or burning down a house is certainly possible. I must say that some of the things being detonated sound like they belong on the battle field. One neighbor said her husband and a friend used to spend $1500 a year on fireworks, 10-15 years ago!
Grandpa Joe is an expert and he says no fireworks for Mount Rushmore. So in honor of our most distinguished, visionary, partially-lucid leader, we shouldn’t have them in California either.
The “experts” are apparently still home getting inflated unemployment checks or something. The locals are covering for them.
Why is it that it’s usually the low income people that waste their money on fireworks?
The Hiltons?
Many thanks to LE for their investigations and arrests. I think it really helped.
This year the aerial show seemed to be less evident in my neighborhood, but on the ground M80-type explosions were prevalent.
lol Nope!