A Safe Fourth Of July
There are several Fourth of July events coming up here is the list and cautions about fireworks in the Mother Lode.
Tonight Lake Don Pedro will celebrate the Fourth of July with its traditional “Fireworks on the Water” starting at 9:30pm.
There are several events on Wednesday, the Fourth of July the list of events is here in mymotherlode.com’s event calendar.
In addition Ironstone Vineyards will host their Independence Day Celebration on Saturday July 7th starting at 4:30pm. The fireworks show begins at dark.
CAL FIRE notes that each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. CAL FIRE’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Brian Kirk suggests “Rather than using your own fireworks, plan on attending some of the excellent professionally-produced public firework displays in our area.”
Illegal fireworks in California are those that explode, leave the ground, or move about uncontrollably. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles. Use of any fireworks which causes an injury or fire may result in a felony citation or arrest. The advised way to report illegal use of fireworks is to call 911.
CAL Fire says, “Use Safe and Sane fireworks responsibly, only where permitted, and never around dead or dying vegetation. Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision. Parents are liable for injuries or damages caused by their children’s use of fireworks. Check with your local fire department to see if Safe and Sane fireworks are legal to use in your area.”
Possessing or using any type of fireworks is illegal in the following areas:
Tuolumne County – all areas including the City of Sonora;
Calaveras County – Ebbetts Pass Fire District
All federal lands in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including the Stanislaus National Forest; and along any State highway rights-of-ways.
CAL FIRE is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks in areas where fireworks are banned. Fines for violations start at $240.00 per count, per person. Enforcement actions will range from misdemeanor citations to felony custody arrests.
