Residents urged to see official Saturday show
Just as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection announced its concerns about how misuse of fireworks could threaten the state’s tinderbox conditions, Benicia Fire Chief Jim Lydon reminded residents this week that all private fireworks — including sparklers and those considered “safe and sane” — are banned in Benicia.“We have used the City Manager’s Newsletter and social media to distribute information about the use of fireworks,” Lydon said, adding that department employees also have been distributing advisories at the Benicia Certified Farmers Market and have been “speaking with residents and visitors.”
“We will work with Benicia police over the holiday weekend to address any enforcement issues related to the illegal use of fireworks,” Lydon said.
Chief Ken Pimlott, state CAL FIRE director, said his department worries about how easily some fireworks cause a blaze.
“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” Pimlott said. “Here in California we have zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”
The State Fire Marshal’s office has approved so-called “safe and sane” fireworks for use in many communities, but that approval doesn’t extend statewide, CAL FIRE public information officer Daniel Berlant said. Those traveling outside Benicia should check local ordinances before they buy or ignite fireworks.
Such “safe and sane” fireworks went on sale in California on Sunday in about 300 California communities. However, “Safe and sane fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover said.
She pointed out that last year more than 300 fires were sparked by fireworks. “We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner,” she said.
Berlant said his department is asking Californians to help prevent fires this weekend, particularly from illegal fireworks.
“Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment,” he said.
But Captain Joe Fletcher said CAL FIRE’s concerns about fireworks “goes well beyond fire danger.”
He explained, “In addition to vegetation fires, fireworks cause about 1,200 structure and 400 vehicle fires annually across the country.” They cause more than 8,000 injuries nationwide each year, he said, and “some are fatal.”
As recently as Sunday, a man and a 12-year-old boy were fatally injured in separate incidents by fireworks elsewhere in the country, Fletcher said.
He said fireworks caused the Monticello fire near Lake Berryessa last July, and in the eight days before the blaze was contained, 6,488 acres burned and five people were injured. About 18 agencies collaborated on the fire fight.
For those going to a community where “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed, CAL FIRE and the State Fire Marshal’s office issued several cautions, topped with making sure that private use of fireworks is allowed in the area.
Those using them should check for the fire marshal “safe and sane” seal and buy the fireworks only from legitimate organizations that are authorized to sell. Even those bought legally elsewhere aren’t allowed to be used in Benicia, Lydon reiterated.
Anyone using fireworks in the legal areas should have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose at the firing site so it’s available to extinguish the firework. The person should read the firework’s instructions and should not alter, modify or enhance the firework.
Finally, the officials said, fireworks should have proper clearance from any flammable materials, including dry grass and brush.
Both Fletcher and Lydon recommended people forego private use of fireworks, even in legal areas, and instead attend such public fireworks shows as the one organized by the city of Benicia and Benicia Main Street, starting about 9 p.m. Saturday at the foot of First Street. Among other area fireworks shows are those slated at Napa City, American Canyon, Saint Helena and Calistoga.
There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks, fire officials said.
Those who have such illegal fireworks as sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and those that explode, go into the air or move uncontrolled on the ground might face a fine of up to $50,000 as well as confinement for up to one year, Berlant said.
“Even ‘safe and sane’ fireworks taken into a city (such as Benicia) where they are banned are considered illegal,” he said.
A video on the topic may be viewed at www.ReadyforWildfire.org, or watch a short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G38xe9gjzi8.
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