“Safe and sane” fireworks are now on sale in Watsonville, but 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.
So-called “safe and sane” fireworks, those that do not explode or leave the ground when ignited, are available for purchase throughout the city that benefit local nonprofits and sports groups.
Police and fire officials are doubling down on enforcement during the holiday season, with a limited number of places to light the fireworks, and steep fines for rule breakers.
Since 2013, in California, there have been more than 20,000 acres burned with fireworks being the ignition source and a total of $59.3 million in property loss, with $25.7 million of that total occurring in 2022 alone, according to Cal Fire.
“Our arson and bomb investigators and law enforcement officers have been busy assisting with numerous illegal fireworks enforcement operations, and members of the Arson and Bomb Unit have successfully seized over 245,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California since July 2022,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “We have a zero tolerance toward the use, transportation and possession of illegal fireworks. Even ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use.”
It is illegal to sell, transport or use fireworks that do not carry the “safe and sane” seal, as well as possess or use fireworks in a community where they are not permitted. Over the past few months, Cal Fire-Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized Arson and Bomb Investigators have been providing support to local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000, as well as be sent to jail for up to one year.
Additional Watsonville Police officers will be out on patrol starting today and into early next week.
In Watsonville, anyone caught igniting or possessing illegal fireworks will be fined $1,000 per violation. Tenants or property owners will also be cited if there is evidence that illegal fireworks were at the property, were sold at the property or were set off at the property.
Illegal fireworks include:
• Skyrockets
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Aerial shells
• Firecrackers
• Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.
“The wet winter has been an anomaly, but any belief of a less intense fire year as a result of the precipitation is a mistake,” said Chief Joe Tyler, Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief. “As the weather conditions continue to get warmer and drier, the vegetation—including grass, brush and timber—will become more susceptible to burning. Make no mistake, fire conditions are elevated, as seen in the increase of wildland fires over the past few weeks, and the Fourth of July, along with the use of fireworks, will contribute to the increased risk for wildfires.”
To learn more about fireworks safety, visit fireworkssafetyca.org.
Illegal fireworks can be reported through the Watsonville Police mobile app or by calling 471.1151.
