CAL FIRE Urges Extreme Caution With Fireworks this Fourth of July! #CAFire #CADrought #SafeAndSane

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

CAL FIRE Urges Extreme Caution With Fireworks this Fourth of July! #CAFire #CADrought #SafeAndSane

CAL FIRE Urges Extreme Caution With Fireworks this Fourth of July

ARE YOU BUYING LEGAL FIREWORKS?

“Safe and Sane Fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover.

“Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks. We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”

Felton–With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, CAL FIRE is reminding all Californians and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

On Sunday, June 28 “Safe and Sane” Fireworks went on sale in approximately 300 communities throughout California.

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.

“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,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE.

“Here in California we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”

There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks.

Possession of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year.

Even “Safe and Sane” Fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal. The State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved state-wide.

Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

The public should note that all fireworks are illegal to possess, sell or use in 98% of San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties. Purchase and use ofSafe and Sane Fireworks is allowed only within the City limits of Watsonville, Capitola, San Bruno and Pacifica.

In Santa Cruz County there is a $1,000 enhancement on fireworks-related citations around the July 4th holiday.

Fireworks Guidelines:

•First 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

•Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks –use only in the manner intended

•Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush

For a full fireworks safety guide visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org or watch this short
CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE - California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

June 30, 2015

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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

Tuesday, June 30, 2015