CAL FIRE Press Release: CAL FIRE Urges Firework Safety This Fourth of July

Friday, July 1, 2011

CAL FIRE Press Release: CAL FIRE Urges Firework Safety This Fourth of July

CAL FIRE Urges Firework Safety This Fourth of July

Sacramento – With the 4th of July celebrations less than a week away, CAL FIRE is warning the public of the state’s zero tolerance regarding the use or sale of illegal fireworks. CAL FIRE is working closely with local law enforcement and firefighting agencies to seize illegal fireworks and prosecute those found in possession of them.

“Illegal fireworks pose a major danger to Californian’s safety,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “We will not tolerate the use or sale of illegal fireworks here in California.”

Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.

“If fireworks are used illegally or in an unsafe manner they pose a very serious threat to our communities," said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. "The results can be devastating and take critical resources away from other emergencies."

In 286 communities in the state, “safe and sane” fireworks are permitted. However, State fire officials want to remind those who choose to purchase legal fireworks this year to make sure they purchase only those with the “Safe and Sane” State Fire Marshal seal they are only used in the community where they are purchased. It is illegal to sell, transport, posses, or use any fireworks in areas where they are not allowed. Even “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be dangerous if used unsafely.

Fireworks Guidelines

Residents and visitors should practice caution and safety with the following:
Check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use
Make sure the firework has the State Fire Marshal “safe and sane” seal
Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell
Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site
Read all instructions before use
Dispose of used fireworks in water
Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks
Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush.

Remember that fireworks are not toys; they should always be used in a safe manner. CAL FIRE wants everyone to have a safe 4th of July holiday.

For more information about safe fireworks use, visit the CAL FIRE Web site at www.fire.ca.gov
CONTACT:
Daniel Berlant
(916) 651-FIRE (3473)
Julie Hutchinson
(951) 377-8380.

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How fires get their names

Every year in California thousands of wildfires start throughout the state. In most cases, the dispatch center sending the initial resources to a wildland fire will designate a name for the fire, but the first on scene engine or fire official can also name the incident. Fires are usually named for the area in which they start – a geographical location, local landmark, street, lake, mountain, peak, etc. Quickly naming the fire provides responding fire resources with an additional locater, and allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name. For example during the Southern California Fire Siege of 2003, the largest wildland fire in California history, the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, was named after the Cedar Creek Falls area where it started. The destructive Old Fire, which burned during the same time period in San Bernardino County, was named after the road along which it started - Old Waterman Canyon Road.

CAL FIRE is the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States. CDF - CAL FIRE Firefighters answer the call more than 300,000 times a year. CAL FIRE Firefighters make up the fire department for 30 of our 58 counties in California and more than 100 local communities. We serve as the incident command during many of California’s most serious disasters. CAL FIRE Firefighters respond to many various types and forms of calls ranging from structural fires, to auto accidents, to earthquakes, to floods, to the spilling of hazardous materials, to every conceivable disaster; CAL FIRE answer's the calls. CAL FIRE is the largest fire department in California and the second largest fire department in the United States . CAL FIRE firefighters protect 33 million acres of State Responsibility Area (SRA). We have over 4,000 members within CAL FIRE and CAL FIRE is associated with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).

CFN - CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - CAL FIRE NEWS

Friday, July 1, 2011