Ahead of Independence Day, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reminds residents that there is “zero tolerance” for illegal fireworks.
Officials urged residents to practice caution, as fireworks can cause serious physical harm and handling explosives is best left to trained professionals.
“Every year, we see firsthand the life changing burn injuries caused by fireworks,” said Dr. Soman Sen, Assistant Chief of Burns at Shriners Children’s Northern California. “We always urge families to keep children away from any type of fireworks and ensure that only responsible adults are using legal fireworks – even then, exercising caution to prevent harm.”
Possession or use of illegal fireworks could result in up to one year in jail, or a fine of up to $50,000. This includes fireworks purchased online, purchased out of state and purchased from unlicensed sellers.
Some California cities allow for the sale and use of consumer fireworks, but these can only be purchased through permitted booths and must be certified “safe and sane” by the state of California.
The CAL FIRE website includes a list of all of these communities. Gilroy is the only city in Santa Clara County that allows consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks are illegal in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View.
“Each year we continue to see how illegal fireworks – especially those bought online or shipped into California – pose a major risk to our communities,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal.