Keep your celebration from starting a wildfire or causing serious injury
a CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE
Sacramento – With sale of fireworks beginning at noon tomorrow, state fire officials are stressing the dangers of illegal fireworks and the improper use of ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks. Protect your community by preventing fires and injuries caused by fireworks. Before you think about buying fireworks for your celebration, make sure they are permitted where you live. Fireworks purchased out-of-state are illegal in California without a license. It is encouraged to let experts handle the fireworks show.
This Fourth of July, remember to celebrate responsibly. If Safe and Sane fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them, it’s important that you follow these safety tips:
• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal on it.
• Make sure the “Safe and Sane” firework is purchased from a licensed fireworks booth.
• Never allow young children to use or handle fireworks.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Never hold a lit firework in your hands.
• Never light fireworks indoors.
• Never light Safe and Sane fireworks on or near dry grass or other flammable vegetation.
• Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person or animal.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for an extended time before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
“With fireworks causing over 46 million dollars in property loss statewide over the last decade with over 10,500 fires in total, preventing fires and injuries caused by fireworks begins with you,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “Don’t be the reason your Fourth of July holiday goes up in smoke.”
To learn more about fireworks safety, visit https://readyforwildfire.org/preventwildfire/fireworks-safety/
