fireworks

CAL FIRE MAINTAINS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AS FOURTH OF JULY APPROACHES

Fireworks caused over $25 million in property loss last year, fine for illegal use is up to $50,000

June 28, 2023 (San Diego) – Beginning at noon tomorrow, June 28, “Safe and Sane” Fireworks will go on sale in many communities across California and in Mexico.But in San Diego County, all consumer fireworks are illegal to own or use, except those in licensed professional fireworks shows. That includes sparklers,firecrackers, poppers and all others.

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, make sure your festivities are both enjoyable and safe. 

Since 2013, in the State of California, there have been over 20,000 acres burned with fireworks as the ignition source, causing $59.3 million in property loss, with $25.7 million of that total occurring in 2022 alone.


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MAN ARRESTED AFTER HOARDING ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN FALLBROOK

Source:  San Diego Sheriff's Department

July 3, 2022 (Fallbrook) - A man is under arrest after a large cache of fireworks was discovered in his garage. The illegal fireworks were found just before 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 in the 200 block of East View Street in Fallbrook. 


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FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY – AND DANGEROUS

By Miriam Raftery

June 30, 2022 (San Diego) — The San Diego Sheriff department reminds the public that it is illegal to make, store, sell, use, transport or handle fireworks in San Diego County.  Violators can face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $50,000. Parents are liable for any damages or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.


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KEEP PETS SAFE DURING JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS: TIPS FROM HUMANE SOCIETY

Prevent frightened pets who tend to run away during firework celebrations from getting lost

July 3, 2021 (San Diego) -- As people plan their July Fourth celebrations, San Diego Humane Society is reminding pet parents to keep their animals in mind, as there is often an increase in lost pets following the holiday. With the return of the 20-minute Big Bay Boom fireworks in the City of San Diego this year, and with other celebrations expected around the County, distressed pets may find ways to flee their homes while trying to escape the noise.

To protect your pets, SDHS recommends the following:


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ILLEGAL FIREWORKS SPARK FIRES AND A BARRAGE OF COMPLAINTS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Screenshot of KCAL video showing llegal fireworks across Los Angeles

July 8, 2020 (San Diego’s East County) – With fireworks shows cancelled or not allowing on-site viewing due to COVID-19, use of illegal fireworks skyrocketed across southern California. This video by KCAL shows a panorama of illegal fireworks in Los Angeles, where an illegal fireworks display burned down eight apartments and injured five people, CBS reported.

In a normal year, July 4th fireworks cause 19,000 fires nationwide. But this year, residents across San Diego County and elsewhere say the problem was far worse.

San Miguel Fire Department, in response to an ECM records request, confirms their firefighters were dispatched to halt three fires caused by fireworks. One near Campo and Millar Ranch roads burned down 10 trees near a wildlife preserve and church.  Another firecracker ignited a neighbor’s backyard on Redfield Street. A third was spotted in a Spring Valley canyon behind Barcelona Street.


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CAL FIRE MAKES ONE OF THE LARGEST ILLEGAL FIREWORKS SEIZURES IN STATE HISTORY

 

Source:  Cal Fire

June 7, 2018 (Sacramento) - With the Fourth of July Holiday just around the corner, CAL FIRE announced one of the largest seizures of illegal fireworks in state history today.

Following a months long investigation, CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested seven individuals and seized over 49,000 pounds of fireworks over the past two weeks in connection to a large-scale illegal firework ring. Law enforcement officers found these suspects have been illegally importing, transporting, storing, distributing and selling illegal and dangerous fireworks throughout California for more than 30 years.


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CAL FIRE WARNS OF DANGERS AS HOLIDAY WEEKEND APPROACHES

 

All fireworks are illegal in San Diego County; use can result in $50,000 fine or jail time

Source: Cal Fire

July 1, 2017 (San Diego) - With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, CAL FIRE is reminding everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks. Two out of five fires on the 4th of July are caused by fireworks, more than any other cause of fires. The majority of these incidents are related to either the use of illegal fireworks or state-approved fireworks that are used incorrectly.  All Fireworks are illegal in San Diego County including state-approved fireworks.


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IT’S WARM, IT’S DRY, IT’S THE 4TH OF JULY!

By Sam DiGiovanna

June 30, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--These words are make fire officials cringe says Fire Cief Sam DiGiovanna, East County Magazine’s in-house fire chief and columnist.  It will be a long three-day 4th of July weekend.

As drought conditions worsen and the fire danger escalates, fire officials recommend everyone attend public fireworks shows, and leave the lighting to the professionals.  Purchase or use of fireworks by individuals is illegal across San Diego County.

“The problem is many cities that ban fireworks are already seeing an influx of illegal fireworks being set off, says Chief DiGiovanna.


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HAVE A SAFE 4TH OF JULY

 

More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year; fireworks also cause many serious injuries each July

With the Fourth of July approaching, the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit reminds San Diegans that it's illegal to possess and use fireworks in the county. It's also illegal to transport fireworks from elsewhere into San Diego County or to make homemade fireworks or explosives.

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


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FIRE DAMAGES HOME IN EL CAJON

 

By Nadin Abbott
Photos by Nadin Abbott and Tom Abbott
 
July 5, 2012 (El Cajon) --A single family home at 796 Ballantyne Rd was damaged overnight by a fire. According to Battalion Chief Kelly Sisson from Heartland Fire, two adults and two dogs  were removed from the scene, since they could not stay there overnight.

 


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UPDATE ON FIREWORKS LITIGATION AND CANCELLATION OF LAKE MURRAY 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES

 
July 3, 2012 (Lake Murray) –Many of our readers have contacted us asking for more information on the Lake Murray fireworks situation.  We received the following e-mail today from Navajo Events, confirmation cancellation and providing an update on the status of pending litigation:
 
The Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest and Fireworks Committee has regretfully decided to not hold the fireworks display over Lake Murray this year. This difficult decision was made after careful consideration of the liability exposure which the event would produce and the possibility of litigation directly involving the Committee. It was based on the continuing litigation by the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) and its lead attorney, Marco Gonzalez against the City of San Diego and the La Jolla Fireworks Foundation.

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ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS ENACTED ON THE CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST

 
July 3, 2012 (Cleveland National Forest) -- Effective today at 6:00 a.m., fire restrictions on the Cleveland National Forest have been moved to the “Elevated” level. The increase in fire restrictions is due to dryer fuel conditions, higher temperatures, and the likelihood of small fires becoming larger fires.
 
The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused fires during high fire danger. Fire restrictions impose limitations on forest users and are implemented only as deemed necessary to help prevent wildfires.

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FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER: 4TH OF JULY SAFETY TIPS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna  East County Magazine “In-House” Fire Chief
July 2, 2012 (East County) -- Each year, especially during the early summer weeks around the Fourth of July, thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. While some are minor, many of these injuries are serious, for example, resulting in burns or blindness. In 2008, seven deaths from fireworks-related injuries were reported; perhaps these could have been prevented.

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CPSC SPECIAL STUDY ON FIREWORKS INCIDENTS FINDS HUNDREDS OF INJURIES A DAY SURROUNDING JULY 4 HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

 
July 1, 2012 (Washington, D.C.) -- A special study (pdf) conducted by CPSC staff found that 65 percent of all fireworks injuries in 2011 were sustained during the 30 days surrounding the Independence Day holiday. More than half of these injuries were the result of unexpected ignition of the device or consumers not using fireworks as intended.
Fireworks injuries most often resulted in burns to the hands and head, including the eyes, face, and ears. According to the special study, sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial devices were associated with the most incidents.

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FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL FIRE HAZARDS; USERS CAN BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES, CAL FIRE WARNS

 
June 29, 2012 (San Diego)--Your Independence Day celebration can be ruined if fireworks injure one of your family or friends. Cal Fire reminds everyone that all fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County. Their use, transportation or possession could result in a fine or jail. Cal Fire also advises anyone causing a fire with fireworks would be responsible for the damages.

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LAKE MURRAY JULY 4th MUSIC FEST AND FIREWORKS CANCELLED

 

June 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Due to the continuing litigation by the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) and its lead attorney, Marco Gonzalez, the Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest and Fireworks Committee has regretfully decided to not hold the fireworks display over Lake Murray this year.

 


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FIREWORKS SHOW AT GOLDEN ACORN CASINO JULY 4

June 28, 2012 (Campo) – Golden Acorn Casino will be celebrating Independence Day with a free fireworks show on July 4, at 9:00 p.m. at the casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo.  The fireworks will be preceded by a food and beer garden from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and live entertainment.

Visit http://www.goldenacorncasino.com/ for more information.


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CITY OF EL CAJON 4TH OF JULY PICNIC & FIREWORKS!

 
June 23, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The fun begins at 12:00 p.m. with the annual 4th of July Picnic at Kennedy Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.  Kennedy Park, a smoke and alcohol free park, is located at 1675 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon. Once again Waste Management has generously partnered with the City of El Cajon to provide fireworks for residents in the East County.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! WORLD CELEBRATION BEGINS

 

January 31, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – New Year’s celebrations around the world have begun, starting in Sydney, Australia.  Those party-loving Aussies welcomed in 2012 with an elaborate fireworks display launched from barges on the water, off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and rooftops of buildings.  The extravaganza included 11,000 shells, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects all synchronized to music.   Click to enjoy the show—and happy New Year!

For more fireworks shows around the world, scroll down to find links.


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MISSED THE FIREWORKS? WATCH FINALE HERE FROM SANTEE SALUTES!

  

July 4, 2011 (Santee) - An estimated 7,000 people turned out for Santee Salutes, including families from throughout East County as well as local dignitaries including Assemblyman Brian Jones and Mayor Randy Voepel.  Live music, patriotic presentations, carnival rides and a spectacular fireworks show were all part of the festivities.  


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KEEP PETS OUT OF HARM’S WAY THIS JULY FOURTH

County Animal Services Offers Independence Day Safety Tips

Family pets can become frightened and frantic because of the noise and commotion of Independence Day celebrations, County Animal Services officials warned today.
 


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THE DOG BLOG: 4TH OF JULY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR DOG


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FIREWORKS CAUSE BLAZE IN VALLEY CENTER

May 21, 2010 (Valley Center) – Cal-Fire firefighters are dousing hot spots from a half-acre brush fire near 29902 Valley Center Road. The fire’s spread has been stopped. The blaze, which began at 3:46 this afternoon, was caused by youngsters playing with illegal fireworks.


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EAST COUNTY SKIES TO LIGHT UP ON 4th OF JULY: FIREWORKS SHOWS LISTED COUNTYWIDE

July 1, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--No need to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch fireworks at the beach areas. Instead, grab a blanket, beach chairs and your favorite refreshments, then head to one of the East County or North County inland areas listed below. (For those whose family festivities may lead you to venture west of I-15, we’ve also included all fireworks locations countywide.) Two communities, Julian and Crest, will host parades this year, but no fireworks. Have a safe and festive Fourth of July!


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LEAVE FIREWORKS TO EXPERTS, BURN INSTITUE WARNS

All fireworks illegal in County, from sparklers to bottle rockets

 


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