Lassen County CA Fire Dept. proposes ban on all safe and sane fireworks

Bans are becoming the norm this year.

Fire Dept. proposes ban on all safe and sane fireworks
Posted on Tuesday, June 12 @ 10:20:55 PDT
Lassen County News
http://www.lassennews.com/News_Story.edi?sid=4013&mode=thread&order=0

Headline June 12, 2007 — Other than on the Fourth of July, the use of fireworks within Susanville’s city limits may become an outlawed activity.

That’s because the Susanville Fire Department proposed a ban on all safe and sane fireworks sold within Lassen County at the regular city council meeting on Wednesday, June 6.

Fire Chief Stu Ratner explained that he felt it was in the best interest of the city to consider the impact sales of fireworks might have on the area, considering the unseasonably warm winter and high fire danger.

As he addressed the city council, Ratner explained some facts to the city council regarding the current weather conditions around the county.

“Presently there exists in the city of Susanville and throughout the region a level of humidity and extreme dry conditions,” Ratner said. “Fire season can typically last until Oct. 31, and this year promises to be one of the driest in recent years.”

Ratner also explained the number of people bringing illegal fireworks into Lassen County has increased. He went on to say in recent years fires have been caused by both illegal and safe and sane fireworks. He said that in the last couple of years, the level of illegal fireworks in the county has increased so much “You could probably see a better show in the Wal-Mart parking lot than you can at the fairgrounds.”

Based on SFD’s fire reports, Ratner suggested it might be in the best interest for the city to ban the sales and use of all fireworks in the city, except for the above ground display at the Lassen County Fairgrounds on July 4.

Ratner said he understands banning fireworks would make a lot of people very unhappy. However he explained that taking measures to prevent fires in order to help preserve the wellbeing of as many people as possible was the fire department’s responsibility.

Ratner went further by requesting that all burning within the city limits stop as of July 1, also due mainly to the dry weather conditions. He said because volunteerism isn’t what it used to be, the staffing at the fire department is low, and without the proper number of people to help control average usage of fireworks, it could look like a war zone around the city.

People in attendance at the city council meeting voiced concern over why this course of action wasn’t talked about sooner. Because of what the council considered uncertainty toward fire danger, the council continued the issue to the next meeting, so more research could be conducted to verify the potential danger of unchecked fireworks usage.

The ban is aimed primarily at safe and sane fireworks, as the majority of the people present at the meeting agreed on the difficulty of monitoring the trafficking of illegal fireworks into and out of the area.

The council meets again at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 at City Hall on North Lassen Street.

Alamaba bans fireworks for 2007

This is actually funny as TNT fireworks is headquartered in Alabama. So looks like they will have to send all their smoke and flames to CA as we dont have a fire danger here...doh!


Ala. State Fire Marshal Joins State Forester's Fireworks Ban
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2007/06/14/80827.htm

June 14, 2007

State Forester Linda Casey issued an emergency drought declaration temporarily banning discharging fireworks in 33 Alabama counties. Alabama State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk has joined in the issuance.

"The situation in our state is extremely dangerous for burning and for the use of fireworks," Paulk said. "We are joining the State Forester in her efforts to prevent a tragedy in our state. We hope Alabamians will be patient through this time of danger."

The ban exempts displays fired over water.

The Alabama Forestry Commission will accept applications for organized displays, such as those sponsored by municipalities or other organizations, and will consult with the State Fire Marshal before granting those permits.

The 33 counties where the ban is in effect are: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston.

Source: Alabama Department of Insurance

Air quality officials want Disney to do more with less fireworks

Disneyland Resort News ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Disneyland hasn't done enough to reduce smoke from its nightly fireworks show and more modifications are needed, air quality officials said Friday. Although there are no regulations specifically on fireworks emissions, South Coast Air Quality Management District officials said Disney has changed its pyrotechnics launching system and is using fewer smoke-producing fireworks. But tests show the improvements haven't done enough to reduce ground smoke. "Under certain atmospheric conditions, we're getting ground smoke," said Carol Coy, AQMD's deputy executive officer of engineering and compliance. "Our next step is to go further with them and let them know that this has not been adequate." Disneyland Resort spokesman Bob Tucker said the park is in compliance with AQMD standards, He said about 15 percent fewer shells are being used than in previous years. Residents who live near Disneyland have complained about fireworks residue landing on their cars and homes. They also have expressed concern about the possible long-term health effects of the fallout. A representative for area homeowners asked the AQMD board Friday to use its authority to prohibit Disney from shooting fireworks on smog-alert days. "Our group is very concerned about air pollution, especially every summer night when a huge cloud of sulfur-smelling smoke settles over our homes about five minutes after the Disneyland fireworks display," resident Dennis Fitzgerald told the board. "We feel strongly that this large amount of choking air pollution is a result of the fireworks," he said.

July 4th enfocement "blitz" $$$

Why dont we just take the money spent on all this extra enforcement and give it to the so called sports clubs that claim they need their fireworks profits ("crack money") to get by each year? No matter what we do this costs taxpayers money just so people can blow smoke into the air and send polluted runoff down the gutter and into the ocean each July.


Police to step up efforts on fireworks for July 4
Force will deploy extra officers near holiday, distribute information.

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_6034141
By Karen Robes, Staff writer
Article Launched: 05/31/2007 10:37:04 PM PDT

LAKEWOOD - The heat from last year's house explosion involving illegal fireworks materials may have cooled, but the law enforcement and public information efforts that stemmed from it have not.

The city and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have been working on a law enforcement and public outreach campaign to curb illegal fireworks activity.

Leading up to the July 4 holiday, the department will deploy about 48 deputies on top of the station's normal deployment and has a team in place to investigate any information leading to illegal fireworks dealers and users.

"We will maintain a zero tolerance position," said service area Lt. Terry Benjestorf.

Last year, the agencies took a more proactive stance on fireworks enforcement and prevention in the wake of a March 2006 explosion on Dunrobin Avenue that destroyed one home and damaged several others. Brian Miller was arrested after the explosive material he used to make fireworks was found at his house. He was later convicted and is serving time in state prison.

"One of the best things we found last year was the feedback from our citizens who felt as though it was a safer Fourth of July," Benjestorf said. "Our objective is to continue to improve on that level of safety."

The city also is spending about $26,000 of general fund money to inform residents through print, cable television, mass e-mails, the city's Web site and mailings targeted to block captains and other stakeholders, said spokesman Don Waldie.

The slogan, "Keep it legal. Keep it safe. Don't blow it." will be on street and park banners, and on fliers that will be handed out by nonprofit groups selling fireworks as fundraisers.

"We think our campaign from last year gives us some momentum into this year," Waldie said.

Lakewood allows the use and sale of "Safe and Sane" fireworks - state-approved fireworks that do not explode or shoot up in the sky.

Residents may only possess Safe and Sanes from July 1 to July 4 and may only use them from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.

Karen Robes can be reached at karen.robes@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1303.

LB Press Telegram / L.A. Daily News Editorial (5/31/07)

Finally a bit of common sense begins to creep into CA...LAAG asked for this a few weeks ago when Georgia banned fireworks due to statewide fire dangers. Well the Fireworks lobbyists are busy making sure those Chinese workers making fireworks get their bonuses this year. And dont count on local politicians to get this done. It will have to be at the state level.

Fireworks danger
Article Launched: 05/30/2007 08:53:09 PM PDT
http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_6024165

From the L.A. Daily News

Even in the lushest of Southern California summers, fireworks shows - both sanctioned and neighborhood free-for-alls - are a dangerous pastime.

But they have been allowed because celebrating our country's birth was deemed worth the fire risk. Besides, fire fighters from every SoCal community know that the week leading up to July 4 is a time to be extra vigilant.

But this year, conditions are more ignitable than usual. It's shaping up to be the driest summer on record for Los Angeles - a city filled with and surrounded by rain-deprived vegetation just waiting for a spark. Last month's Griffith Park wildfire shows how one stray spark can lead to large-scale scorching.

Because of this fire authorities need to reconsider their fireworks policies this year. Already the city of Burbank has cancelled its famous Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza at the Starlight Bowl for fear that the Verdugo Mountains could be set ablaze.

Fireworks shows are planned for every corner of Los Angeles. Fire officials ought to assess the danger of two planned fireworks displays in particular - at Hansen Dam and Dodger Stadium, which is surrounded by the large and wild Elysian Park. Popular as these shows are, safety must come first.

As well, authorities must crack down on illegal fireworks displays. During normal years, it might be acceptable to look away. But with conditions as fire-ripe as they are this year, every sparkler and bottle rocket must be considered a dangerous incendiary device.

Wildfire weary county places 60-day ban on fireworks

Perhaps its time Governor Arnold did the same in CA....as we are in the middle of a record drought...fire season is just starting..

Oh and for the comment that lawnmowers and barbeque's should banned to I don't think those fall into the same category as fireworks whose sole purpose if to create smoke and sparks. They are not a necessity like mowing the lawn (which reduces the fire hazard)

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=92865

The Associated Press - WAYCROSS, Ga.

Weary from extreme drought and a record wildfire still burning after five weeks, Ware County commissioners on Thursday unanimously banned fireworks for the next 60 days _ a period including the Memorial Day and Fourth of July holidays.

Anyone violating the moratorium will face fines up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail, said James Ginn, a Ware County spokesman.

"Fireworks by design are somewhat volatile and sometimes unpredictable," Ginn said. "They have a proven track record of causing fires, and that's in conditions less dry than this."

Firework sales are expected to peak for the July 4 holiday, but Georgia retailers are stocking sparklers and other fireworks in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

The nation's largest firework distributor, Alabama-based TNT Fireworks, said Thursday it has halted shipments to Ware County and other counties in south Georgia and parts of Florida because of fire risks. The company said it hoped conditions would improve in time to resume shipments by July 4.

"We do not want TNT products associated with wildfires," Tommy Glascow, the company's president, said in a statement.

The largest wildfire recorded in Georgia since the 1950s started just outside of Waycross when a tree ignited after falling onto a power line April 16.

The blaze, now centered in the Okefenokee Swamp, has burned 496,785 acres _ or 776 square miles _ of swamp and timberland in southern Georgia and northern Florida. It has destroyed 21 homes in Ware County.

The Ware County moratorium bans using fireworks, but not selling them. Ginn said that's because most county residents are in the city of Waycross, which is not affected by the county's ban.

John Thomas, a Georgia lobbyist for Ohio-based retailer Phantom Fireworks, said the county had unfairly singled out fireworks when cigarettes, barbecue grills and lawn mowers can also start fires.

"We can ban fireworks and that's not going to stop wildfires," Thomas said. "It's an inappropriate response targeting one product when we should be looking at general fire safety."

Georgia banned all fireworks until 2005, when state lawmakers voted to allow sales of sparklers and other items that don't explode or shoot balls of flame. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles as well as many others are still illegal.

The Georgia Forestry Commission has urged Georgians statewide to refrain from using fireworks because of drought conditions. It says fireworks started 25 fires in Georgia during the last July 4 holiday.

The commission says central and south Georgia are so dry that more than half of the state faces an "extreme" fire danger _ the most severe rating. Everywhere else, the threat is considered "high" or "very high."

San Jacinto (Riverside) CA bans safe and sane fireworks

Reporter's notebook

By CHARLES HAND/The Valley Chronicle
Agustin Gutierrez

http://www.thevalleychronicle.com/articles/2007/05/11/news/07nnotebook.txt

Forbidding fireworks

A fix to a hole in the law prohibiting fireworks in San Jacinto has been introduced.

Though state law prohibits some fireworks, officers have found devices smaller than those covered by the law, said Police Chief Kevin Vest.

Riverside County adopted a more comprehensive ban last year, and the proposed city law is based on that.

At the moment, the only city law prohibiting the use of fireworks applies only in city parks, Vest said.

Vest said the major reasons for banning the possession, use, or storage of fireworks in the city are that 45 percent of the injuries from fireworks are sustained by those younger than 15, that they can be dismantled to make larger explosive devices, and that the area has repeatedly seen extreme fire danger and extended fire seasons.

People also sometimes fail to understand the danger of large explosions from the storage of small fireworks in quantity, Vest said.

Permanent Injunction Placed On Firefox Enterprises (fireworks co.)

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2007
Release #07-181

CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC Wins Major Court Victory Upholding Authority to Protect Consumers
From Illegal Sales of Firework Components
Permanent Injunction Placed On Firefox Enterprises

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A federal court affirmed that the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the authority to stop the sale of
chemicals and components used to make illegal, dangerous fireworks. This
is a major victory in CPSC's continuing effort to protect consumers from
injury and death caused by illegal explosives.

On December 6, 2006, the Honorable B. Lynn Winmill, Chief U.S. District
Judge for the District of Idaho, granted summary judgment in favor of
the government's claim that Firefox Enterprises Inc., of Pocatello,
Idaho, sold chemicals and components to consumers that were used to
manufacture illegal fireworks.

On April 30, 2007, Judge Winmill entered a permanent injunction against
Firefox and its owners, prohibiting them from selling certain chemicals
and components used in illegal fireworks. The Judge also imposed
shipping and strict record keeping requirements on the defendants and
authorized the CPSC to make surprise inspections of Firefox's
facilities.

"This court ruling is a victory for consumer safety," said CPSC's Acting
Chairman Nancy Nord. "There are far too many injuries and deaths from
the manufacture and use of illegal fireworks. By taking strong action
against individuals and companies that sell chemicals and components to
make these dangerous devices, CPSC can stop illegal fireworks from being
made and keep consumers safe."

An investigation by CPSC found that between November 1999 and May 2005,
Firefox, an Internet retailer, was selling and shipping in hundreds of
separate transactions, chemicals, tubes, end caps and fuses. These
chemicals and components when assembled comprise M-80s, quarter-sticks,
and other illegal fireworks. The court held that Firefox's actions
violated the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Department of
Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations in its illegal
packaging and shipping of the chemicals.

CPSC, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of
Justice's Office of Consumer Litigation worked cooperatively on this
case.

Ontario CA increases "safe and sane" posession fine to $1,000

http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_5692002

Fireworks fine pricey
Ontario approves $1,000 penalty to streamline process

By Jason Newell, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/17/2007 11:36:57 PM PDT

ONTARIO - Buying, using or transporting fireworks in the city is about to become a whole lot more dangerous - for wallets, that is.

Starting next month, the city will slap a $1,000 fine on anyone caught with the devices, which are outlawed within city limits.

The City Council approved the stiff penalty Tuesday night, hoping to reverse what officials said was a surge in fireworks-related emergency calls in recent years.

"This gives us a solid tool to begin to combat these flagrant violators," Mayor Paul Leon said before joining the unanimous vote.

Like most cities in the Inland Valley, Ontario has banned the possession or use of all fireworks, even the so-called "safe and sane" variety - which don't explode or leave the ground.

Across the region, only Fontana and Chino permit the "safe and sane" types, though Fontana has agreed to ban them starting July 5, 2008.

Currently, people caught with fireworks in Ontario already face fines of up to $1,000, but the city has to go after the offenders in court.

The new policy cuts the judicial system out of the process, making it easier and less time-consuming for the city to hand out fines and collect the money.

The policy will be a stronger deterrent to what has become a growing problem in recent years, Ontario Fire Chief Chris Hughes said.

"Last year, especially, was extremely busy for us," he said.

Since the start of 2006, emergency dispatchers in Ontario have received more than 700 calls about fireworks, including more than 400 complaints in July 2006 alone.

Each time, police and firefighters have been tasked with responding to the calls, investigating, seizing any fireworks and handling any medical emergencies - at a cost of thousands of dollars to taxpayers.

Additionally, firefighters have had to extinguish about 20 brushfires caused by fireworks during the past year alone, Hughes said.

While many of the fireworks that end up in Ontario come from Nevada and Mexico, plenty of them are purchased right next door in Chino, Hughes said.

Many Ontario residents don't know that they're breaking the law when they bring fireworks from Chino into the city, he said.

"That's part of our challenge," Hughes said. "When people do go to the fireworks booths in Chino, they (need to) know that they can't bring them across the border."

As part of the changes approved Tuesday night, the city will spend about $15,000 a year on signs, banners and other materials to publicize the city's fireworks rules.

"A big part of it is education - letting people know that it is illegal in Ontario to use any fireworks," City Manager Greg Devereaux said.

The city expects the fines to offset at least a portion of the education campaign, officials said.

The changes approved Tuesday night will head back to the City Council for final approval May 1, then take effect two weeks later.

Staff writer Jason Newell can be reached by e-mail at jason.newell@dailybulletin.com, or by phone at (909) 483-9338.

Lake Elsimore CA ban on fireworks is strengthened

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_sfirework11.409a020.html#
10:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 10, 2007

By MARY BENDER
The Press-Enterprise

LAKE ELSINORE - The city's ban against fireworks, including so-called safe and sane varieties, had long been condensed to a single, generally-worded paragraph in the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code.

On Tuesday night, the City Council tossed out that old version and replaced it with Riverside County's longer and more specific fireworks ban, which will become law in Lake Elsinore when the ordinance takes effect in 30 days.

The City Council introduced the seven-page ordinance at its March 27 meeting. On Tuesday, the council adopted it unanimously and without comment.

"This gives us the tools to provide better enforcement," city spokesman Mark Dennis said after the meeting.

The fireworks ban imposes fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 for anyone convicted of using, possessing, storing, manufacturing, selling, transporting, igniting, discharging or exploding any fireworks, whether they be illegal varieties or others sold in many Southern California cities.

Offenders also could face a one-year term in Riverside County jail if convicted.

Further, under the ordinance, a property owner also will be held responsible if he or she allows people to engage in any of the banned activity on his or her property.

The ordinance will be in place by summer, when fireworks usage peaks.

Earlier this year, the Western Riverside Council of Governments urged local cities, including Lake Elsinore, to incorporate Riverside County's detailed fireworks ordinance into their own municipal codes, Dennis said.

The new regulations will enhance the "preservation of the public peace, health (and) safety," the ordinance states, citing the danger of injury, especially to children. "Fireworks are often stored without safety precautions in residential neighborhoods," it said.

"Fireworks often come from countries where safety regulations for making fireworks are not as stringent as those for fireworks manufactured in the United States," the code states.

The ordinance spells out specific ingredients that are banned, including arsenic sulfide, phosphorous and boron, and types of fireworks that fall under the new prohibitions, including skyrockets that "rise into the air during discharge," Roman candles or similar devices that "discharge balls of fire into the air," chasers that "dart or travel about the surface of the ground during discharge," and any sort of firework made to explode in a manner unexpected by the user.

The ordinance allows a few categories of people to use fireworks -- most notably licensed pyrotechnic operators who have been granted a permit from the fire chief and the sheriff to stage a public fireworks display, such as those sponsored by cities on Independence Day.

On the permit application, the pyrotechnician must detail the site where the fireworks will be discharged and make a diagram of the area, showing the location of trees, telephone lines, buildings, roads and spectators.

Reach Mary Bender at 951-893-2103 or mbender@PE.com

Lomita CA plans to extinguish fireworks this Fourth of July

http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/7077331.html?showAll=y&c=y

Lomita plans to extinguish fireworks this Fourth of July
They already are illegal, and officials promise to get tougher. A new ordinance will make violations punishable by fines and jail.

By Nick Green
STAFF WRITER

Last year Lomita Mayor Mark Waronek stood at a friend's house in Rolling Hills Estates on Independence Day looking down on the city.

Despite a ban on fireworks enacted in Lomita in 1986, the night sky above it was ablaze with cascading showers of sparks.

"I was amazed, it looked like Fallujah," Waronek said. "It's like a war zone. ... It was an eye-opening experience, it really was."

So eye-opening, in fact, that Monday, at the urging of Waronek, Lomita approved an aggressive ordinance that toughens the punishment for anyone using fireworks in the city. In the past sheriff's deputies have simply confiscated fireworks. Now violators will be slapped with a misdemeanor and face six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

To enforce the tough ordinance, a Fireworks Eradication Team consisting of four sheriff's deputies and four plainclothes officers or volunteers will fan out across the city citing offenders and confiscating fireworks.

"We're serious -- there's a new sheriff in town," City Manager Tom Odom said. "If we catch you, we're going to prosecute you."

The tough new stance against fireworks marks a complete turnaround for the mayor, who last year urged the City Council to discuss lifting the ban so charitable groups could once more cash in on the sale of fireworks.

But that effort fizzled rapidly.

Odom noted in a report to the City Council on Monday that municipal employees receive a "barrage of complaints" every year over illegal fireworks.

"Animals go crazy, kids get hurt and it has just become a real problem -- it puts senior citizens on edge," Odom said. "Based on the complaints we get, there are more citizens against them than for them."

In the South Bay, only five cities -- Carson, Inglewood, Gardena, Hawthorne and Lawndale -- still allow so-called safe-and-sane fireworks.

Lomita's ordinance will be officially adopted in 30 days and become law 30 days after that, just in time for fireworks season.

The strict ordinance is essentially an admission that previous efforts to stop people setting off fireworks in the city have failed.

The city formerly attempted to educate residents on the dangers of fireworks by focusing on the fire danger created.

Last year the city spent just $1,069 on fireworks enforcement; this year that bill will rise to about $20,000.

Lomita plans an all-out public relations blitz to discourage fireworks.

Electric signs along roads, public service announcements on cable, warnings in utility bills and other measures will alert the public about the new ordinance.

Parks personnel will set sprinkler start times to 9 p.m. from July 1 through July 7.

And the Fireworks Eradication Team will prowl city streets from 8 p.m. to midnight around the holiday looking for people who dare to wave so much as a sparkler around.

"The main thing is enforcement," Waronek said. "I love fireworks, but you've got to do it in a safe-and-sane manner. I'll go to another city and enjoy the Fourth of July."

nick.green@dailybreeze.com

Canyon Lakes, CA bans fireworks

City Connection: Council meeting recap

http://www.thefridayflyer.com/FF-2007-4-13/FFS-6558.htm
By Shannon Weatherford
Reporter

The Canyon Lake City Council’s regular monthly meeting was held last Wednesday, April 4, with all members of Council present.

[snip]

Fireworks ordinance
In an effort to maintain continuity of prohibitions and penalties throughout Riverside County for the use and possession of illegal fireworks, the City of Canyon Lake adopted Ordinance No. 97 Prohibiting the Use of Fireworks in the City, mirroring County of Riverside Ordinance 858 Prohibiting Fireworks. Included are prohibitions on the possession, storage, use and discharge of defined fireworks. Manufacturing of fireworks without special permits is also expressly prohibited and penalties for all aspects are specified as well.

Highland CA plans to vigorously promote its ban on fireworks

Does not look like a new ban but rather putting some teeth into an existing ban

10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, April 11, 2007
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_bfireworks12.40610b2.html

By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise

Highland plans to vigorously promote its ban on fireworks over the next three months through fliers to all homeowners, notices in utility bills and magnetic signs on city-owned vehicles.

The Highland City Council voted 3-0 Tuesday night to approve the public awareness campaign. Councilman John Timmer and Councilwoman Jody Scott were absent.

According to a staff report, complaints by residents and City Council members about fireworks are increasing.

"It's been an ongoing problem in this community for years," said City Manager Joe Hughes.

The public awareness campaign will cost $8,000 for printing, addressing and postage for the notice mailed to residents and community organizations, the staff report said. The notice, printed in English and Spanish, also will be included with June utility bills and on mailers sent home with students.

The Highland sheriff's Citizens on Patrol volunteers will go door-to-door to notify residents of the citywide prohibition, according to the staff report.

Overtime has been approved for additional law enforcement officers to enforce the policy leading up to the Fourth of July holiday and immediately afterward.

Highland will notify neighboring cities of the effort and city officials plan to coordinate all the citations for one court date to minimize overtime costs.

The city must get serious about ensuring that anyone violating the fireworks policy is held responsible, Mayor Ross Jones said.

"It's going to have no value unless we enforce it," Jones said.

Anyone caught using fireworks could receive a citation and fine of up to $500, or could be arrested, Highland sheriff's officials said.

Reach Julie Farren at 909-806-3066 or jfarren@PE.com

Stockton CA City Council bans 'safe and sane' fireworks

As you can see the police and fire departments think outlawing safe and sane will draw more illegal fireworks into the city. Well had they read the LACFD report from 2005 (see our story here ) they would know that it has just the opposite effect, much to the dismay of the smoke and fire (safe and sane) peddlers.


By David Siders
Record Staff Writer
April 04, 2007 6:00 AM

STOCKTON - The City Council outlawed fountains, spinners and other backyard fireworks Tuesday, ruling even fireworks designated by the state to be "safe and sane" are a hazard.

The prohibition - affecting fireworks that typically do not fly or explode - formalizes a ban the city enforced for years, before finding last year that no rule existed. It allows officials to confiscate the fireworks they find.

Fire and police officials warned legalizing even some fireworks might prompt the peddlers of illegal fireworks - fireworks that are not designated by the state to be safe and sane are illegal across California - to sell dangerous firecrackers and rockets near legitimate stands. Police have more important work to do than to regulate the industry, Police Chief Wayne Hose said.

The council grieved briefly for the pyrotechnic spirit of the Fourth of July; that sentiment did not prevail. "This is for the safety of our community," Councilwoman Rebecca Nabors said.

A fireworks company and Stockton Baptist School, which sells fireworks to raise money but has previously had to travel to do so, said fireworks are a tradition worth having. They have said the designation "safe and sane" suggests the state does not find such fireworks hazardous.

TNT Fireworks Inc.'s Don Pascarella asked the council to "give it (legalized fireworks) one try."

Fireworks designated by the state to be safe and sane are legal unless a local body votes to prohibit them. Fireworks are legal in Manteca, Ripon and Escalon, but not in Tracy, Lodi or unincorporated San Joaquin County.

The council's decision to ban fireworks followed the city's announcement this year that it was too dangerous to continue the public fireworks display at Weber Point. Deputy Fire Chief Dave Hafey said Tuesday that the city is close to a deal with a private landowner to launch the show from a different place.

Contact reporter David Siders at (209) 943-8580 or dsiders@recordnet.com. Visit his blog.

Independence Day comes early for Whittier CA

LAAG congratulates the good folks of Whittier who were able to convince their city council (without the expense of an election) that they had lost their mind allowing fireworks money to taint their community. The Whittier folks had spoken with LAAG before the vote and quite frankly we were skeptical that residents could pull this off. But apparently they got the ear of the council before the "fireworks machine" did. Unfortunately for Lakewood getting fireworks out of the city is like getting the Mafia out of Sicily. Its too ingrained and there are too many people addicted to it like "Meth addicts". It never was about the fireworks, in Lakewood or Whittier. It was all about the money. That same fireworks money paved the way for an ad blitz that assured victory for the political party of "smoke and fire". Again, we hope that more cities stand up and add their names to those cities that think progressively. Soon fireworks companies will be viewed like the tobacco companies.

Fireworks ban applauded
Article Launched: 03/29/2007 08:16:58 PM PDT
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/opinions/ci_5551562

WHAT could be more fitting than for the people to prevail in an issue involving Independence Day?

The people of Whittier did just that.

Tuesday night, four members of the Whittier City Council rescinded their action taken in February which legalized the sale of safe and sane fireworks prior to the Fourth of July and the use of those fireworks on the Fourth of July.

The council action in February ended a city fireworks ban that had been in force for 20 years.

Owen Newcomer was the only council member to vote against ending the ban from the beginning.

Once the 4-1 action to end the fireworks ban went into effect, 32 local organizations applied for the 10 permits to sell fireworks allowed by the new ordinance.

But, the council's action ending the fireworks ban sparked opposition among residents and fire officials who emphasized that Whittier is a community of precious hills and wildlife and this is one of the driest years on record.

Week after week, the fireworks opposition grew into a firestorm of its own, with hundreds of protesters, including former mayors and community leaders showing up at council meetings to urge repeal of the ordinance.

Suddenly, last week, the lottery for fireworks sales booths was called off and the issue was placed on the March 27 council agenda.

Prevailing logic told everyone that this meant that the council very likely would rescind its legalization of fireworks.

And that's precisely what happened.

After the long procession in Council Chambers of fire department executives and many others against legalizing fireworks, council members one-by-one announced that they would vote to rescind the ordinance making fireworks legal again.

Nordbak became our hero when he actually admitted he had been wrong and apologized to his constituents.

"In hindsight and listening to the comments, I apologize, I missed the boat," he said. "When I voted, I thought I was doing the right thing."

He said he had received 2,400 comments on the issue and only three were in favor of fireworks.

Councilman Joe Vinatieri, who put the proposal for lifting the fireworks ban on the agenda last October, voted to rescind also, but added, "I'd like us as a community to come up with some idea for doing something like an old-fashioned Whittier July 4th celebration."

Councilman Bob Henderson agreed with Vinatieri that some kind of Fourth of July event should be explored. He also emphasized that "the incredible dryness of the year," made this an exceptionally bad time to bring back fireworks.

We support the idea of exploring a future patriotic community event and believe it would be best for such an event to originate with a city department, commission or community organization and come to the council as a proposal for whatever action would be required.

Councilman Owen Newcomer should be thanked for his good sense and courage to stand alone from the outset against an obvious danger to local lives and property.

Finally, we echo the sentiments of Councilman Nordbak, who urged that youth groups and churches that now will not reap the anticipated funds from fireworks sales be generously supported by local businesses and individuals.


Council reverses stance on fireworks
By Mike Sprague Staff Writer

www.sgvn.com

WHITTIER - The Whittier City Council reversed itself Tuesday and voted unanimously to ban July 4 fireworks.

The council in February had voted 4-1 to legalize fireworks for Independence Day. But since then, many residents have gone to council meetings, e-mailed and talked to council members individually asking them to rescind that decision.

"In hindsight and listening to the comments, I apologize," Councilman Greg Nordbak said. "I missed the boat. When I voted, I thought that I was doing the right thing. I think in hindsight, I missed it."

The council still must vote again in April and approve a new ordinance reinstating the ban on fireworks.

Nordbak said he was looking for a way to help local nonprofit groups raise money, but he found that even those people didn't support legalizing fireworks.

About 100 people were present at the meeting, with most of them in opposition to fireworks.

Four of the five council members changed their votes. Only Councilman Owen Newcomer had opposed legalization in the February vote.

Nordbak said he had received about 2,400 comments about fireworks. But only three supported keeping fireworks legal.

"That's a lot," he said. A big concern of all five council members was the lack of rain this year and what that could mean to the hills.

"We have something unique this year - the incredible dryness of the year," Councilman Bob Henderson said. "We now have a moisture content that is equivalent to what we normally have in September."

Councilman Joe Vinatieri, who put the proposal to legalize fireworks on the agenda in October 2006, said he still wants to find a way to celebrate Independence Day.

"There is no independence celebration in Whittier, which is inconsistent with our patriotism," Vinatieri said. "I'd like us as a community to come up with some idea of doing something of an old-fashioned Whittier July 4 celebration."

A couple of residents asked the council not to change its mind.

"The people in the hills are controlling the rest of Whittier," said resident Michael Schmidt. "The majority of people have forgotten what it's like to be a kid. They don't like noisy kids or dogs. They're at the sunset age."

mike.sprague@sgvn.com

(562)698-0955, Ext. 3022

Fireworks law change in Indiana

What is most interesting about the story below is that once again TNT Fireworks is right in the thick of things. Of course in Indiana they are arguing that they want a universal state law covering fireworks. Here in California the so called "patchwork system" created by hapless city counsels (which are quire easy the pander to) suits the fireworks companies just fine. I think the fireworks companies are soon going to be like the tobacco companies...no one needs their smoke.

Posted on Fri, Mar. 23, 2007

Fireworks change sets off hot debate
Industry worried about piecemeal laws

By Niki Kelly
The Journal Gazette
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16959375.htm

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents weary of fireworks popping day and night might get relief under a bill passed Thursday that gives some local control to cities, towns and counties wishing to restrict the pyrotechnics.

The House Local Government Committee amended Senate Bill 9 Thursday and then approved it 9-3. It is now eligible for consideration by the full House.

Under Indiana law passed last year, Hoosiers can set off fireworks every day of the year until 11 p.m.from their own properties or properties they have permission to use. On many holidays, the festivities are permitted to continue until midnight.

The new law is a major departure from the old system of making Hoosiers promise to set off fireworks out of state, and included a tax on fireworks to pay for firefighter training and state disaster relief.

Under Senate Bill 9, the state law would be in force unless a county or municipality passes a local ordinance restricting when and where residents can use fireworks.

Even under a local ordinance, though, the state law protects the absolute right of residents to use fireworks eight days a year – July 2-7, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The hours on those days would differ slightly, from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m., except on July 4, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, when the hours would be from 10 a.m. to midnight or 1 a.m.

The measure also makes it clear that local police can enforce their own noise ordinances year-round. This language is in response to questions about whether the state law preempts local ordinances.

Those representing the fireworks industry complained about a patchwork of regulations the bill would create – as many as 700 if every single county, city and town in the state passed an ordinance.

“Talk about mass confusion,” said Tom Fruechtenicht, lobbyist for the Indiana Fireworks Distributors Association. “I think this law deserves time to work before you undo and restrict these things.”

Some speakers also noted that many of the problems experienced last summer are covered under the existing law if local police enforce it.

Examples include the use of loud cherry bombs or M80s (which are illegal under state and federal law) and shooting off fireworks at 3 a.m. Both violations could result in at least a citation.

But Rep. Win Moses, D-Fort Wayne, said police have other important duties.

“They are out trying to find burglars and murderers and rapists,” he said. “To divert them to fireworks is a difficult choice.”

Fireworks industry supporters also were unable to answer a crucial question from Rep. Jon Elrod, R-Indianapolis, who asked how he proves who burned his garage down when multiple neighbors are shooting off bottle rockets.

“That’s an evidentiary problem,” Fruechtenicht said.

Lisa Hays Murray, who represents TNT Fireworks, said that people tend to use more fireworks immediately after they are legalized and that she expects the novelty to wear off this summer.

But lawmakers were insistent that those living in dense urban areas be given some sort of tool to combat the problems of noise, garbage and danger.

nkelly@jg.net

Stockton CA Backyard fireworks ban likely

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/A_NEWS/703150340

By David Siders
Record Staff Writer
March 15, 2007 6:00 AM

STOCKTON - The city is likely to outlaw spinners, cone fountains and other backyard, or "safe and sane," fireworks this year.

A City Council panel on Wednesday recommended the full council adopt a formal ban, one firefighters believed existed and was enforced for years until finding last year the rule did not exist.

"It's a public safety issue," Police Chief Wayne Hose told the panel.

The full council rarely, if ever, overturns a recommendation of the council's legislative panel, the committee that considered the ban. Fireworks designated by the state to be safe and sane are legal unless a county or city adopts an ordinance outlawing them.

The panel rejected an appeal by a fireworks company and by local Christian school that sells safe and sane fireworks to raise money but has previously had to travel outside Stockton to sell them.

Safe and sane fireworks - typically those that do not fly or explode - are legal in Manteca, Ripon and Escalon but not in Tracy, Lodi and unincorporated San Joaquin County, according to a list compiled by fire officials last year.

Were the Stockton City Council to allow safe and sane fireworks, Deputy Fire Chief Dave Hafey warned that peddlers of fireworks that are not so designated - including illegal firecrackers and rockets - would sell them illegally near legitimate stands.

Other cities that have allowed safe and sane fireworks have been so troubled, officials said.

The Rev. Steve Kihlthau of Stockton Baptist Church said Stockton Baptist School has raised as much as $12,000 to $15,000 some summers selling safe and sane fireworks, most recently in the Stanislaus County town of Westley, where they are legal. That the fireworks are called "safe and sane," he said, suggests the state does not find them hazardous.

TNT Fireworks Inc.'s Louis Linney told the panel illegal fireworks sales hurt legitimate business and that TNT could work with cities to discourage misuse.

Councilman Clem Lee, a panel member, said that to allow fireworks would force police, who have more serious matters to deal with, to monitor the use of fireworks. "This is not what we need to saddle our guys with," he said.

He said to prohibit safe and sane fireworks would do no more than codify long-standing city policy.

The full council is likely to consider the matter this month or next.

The city's consideration of a fireworks ban follows by one month the city's announcement that its public fireworks show at Weber Point was too dangerous to go on. Fire officials have said they are looking for a different site.

Contact reporter David Siders at (209) 943-8580 or dsiders @recordnet.com. Visit his blog.

Ripon CA may outlaw all fireworks

3/12/07
Manteca Bulletin - Manteca,CA
http://www.mantecabulletin.com/articles/2007/03/07/news/news3.txt

RIPON — Fireworks of any kind could be outlawed in Ripon by the time Fourth of July in 2008 rolls around.

Tuesday, the Ripon City Council voted to approve a one year contract with Fireworks and Stage FX America that will continue the tradition of hosting a Fourth of July Celebration — carrying with it a price tag of $35,000 for the show alone.

But concerns raised by two City Councilmen and members of the audience could not only lead to the decision to eliminate the community-wide event next year, but squash future sales of safe-and-sane fireworks as well — something that the Manteca City Council approved for the first time two years ago.

Citing massive crowds, parking problems, public safety concerns, liability issues, and fiscal responsibility as key reasons behind the need to examine the annual community investment, council members Red Nutt and Mike Restuccia bonded together and represented the two lone-dissenting votes on the item.

“I think that many of the people that come are from out of town and it seems when Ripon does something that it was to be best and the biggest of anybody,” Nutt said. “But it costs $35,000 and I’ll bet that it will cost twice that much when it’s all said and done when you factor in overtime from our police, fire, and city personnel.

“I don’t think it’s a smart expenditure of taxpayers money.”

The agendized item was initially listed on the consent calendar for the second City Council meeting in February before it was brought back as a discussion item Tuesday night.

Ripon Consolidated Fire District Chief Dennis Bitters pointed out to the council that the 8-inch shells included in the program would pose significant dangers to surrounding areas because of the massive fallout area required.

In the past, he said, houses have caught fire because there wasn’t enough space for the byproduct of the massive mortars to land clearly — noting that as a department he advocated the large community gathering focusing on a central show over the independent safe-and-sane fireworks because of the additional dangers associated with them.

And community input was mixed.

Stu Long spoke openly about instances he experienced while living in Contra Costa County where neighbors would actually bet on how long it would take for a house to catch fire — most often due to illegal fireworks that accidentally got away from their handlers.

Stephanie Hobbs let her heartfelt concerns be known by pointing out the festivities every year provided an outlet and an opportunity to enjoy a community event with her children.

Even though the motion for a one-contract passed, both Vice Mayor Chuck Winn and Councilman Dean Uecker recommended that there be ample time provided before the next budget cycle to determine whether the event is feasible to continue — adding that further examination into the safe-and-sane fireworks needs to be continued as well.

Ripon was the first city in San Joaquin County to approve the use of safe-and-sane fireworks, and despite the fact that major problems have been contained since they became legal some fire officials believe that they provide an avenue for illegal fireworks to thrive.

“When you allow the sale of safe-and-sane fireworks those illegals start rolling in and we have a hard time catching them,” said Fire Marshal Joel Castro — noting that children quickly learn how to construct dangerous devices by altering the components of the safe products. “They are the ones that are going to kill somebody.”

By JASON CAMPBELL

Staff reporter of the

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

The tide is slowly turning on fireworks

50% cut for TNT Fireworks. How nice for them...Next they will be telling us that the funds support our Troops in Iraq! In reality some of the funds support Chinese laborers that make the fireworks.


Newark CA puts freeze on fireworks permits
No new applicants will be allowed to sell pyrotechnics
By Angela Woodall, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 03/10/2007 02:37:26 AM PST
http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_5406408

NEWARK — Newark groups that depend on annual Fourth of July fireworks sales to raise money should hold on to their permits.

This year, the city will be turning away new applicants in an effort to stem the flow of prohibited pyrotechnics that pop up during Independence Day festivities.

Every year there is a sigh of relief after July 4, Mayor Dave Smith said.

"Whew, we made it again," he said, referring to the danger posed by illicit fireworks.

Only the already participating groups will be allowed to set up shop in the future.

Newark, Union City and Dublin are the only cities in Alameda County that permit vendors to sell pyrotechnics.

The city began cracking down on contraband pyrotechnics six years ago with a zero-tolerance policy that includes tougher penalties, closing parks early and boosting police presence on July 4.

The policy also limited the number of Safe and Sane fireworks stands to 13.

Groups that were selling fireworks already and applied were given booth permits.

There now are 12 permitted vendors, a number that would continue to shrink over time due to attrition if the permit ban works as anticipated.

However, the fire department could permit a new applicant if the number of vendors shrinks too drastically.

Fireworks sales are a major source of income to organizations such as the League of Volunteers and the Farmers and Farmerettes, a Newark square dance group that grossed about $70,000 from pyrotechnic sales last year.

That figure is about average for the other groups, said Donald Baker, fireworks chairman for the Farmers and Farmerettes.

Most of the revenue goes to fees, charity donations and a 50 percent cut for the distributor, TNT Fireworks, he added.

The money-making potential made the permit freeze one of the most contentious issues to come before the normally harmonious City Council.

Council members Luis Freitas and Sue Johnson contested the move, but ultimately voted in favor of it at the Thursday council meeting.

Johnson suggested a lottery system because the freeze would prevent nonprofits that do not already have permits from ever getting a shot at selling the lucrative fireworks, which doesn't seem fair, she said.

Smith and council members Al Nagy and Ana Apodaca cited safety as the reason for their support of the freeze.

Fewer booths would not eliminate the risk, but would reduce it, Nagy said. In addition, it would prevent nonprofits from being overly dependent on one source of income, Apodaca said.

"We want (July 4) to be safe and sane. But it's not safe and sane out there," she added.

Fireworks ban in Calaveras district

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/A_NEWS/70125001

By The Record
January 25, 2007 6:00 AM

MOUNTAIN RANCH - The Fourth of July should be a little quieter and safer this year in this mountain hamlet.

That's because the board of the Central Calaveras Fire and Rescue Protection District adopted an ordinance that took effect Jan. 15 to ban fireworks.

The ban covers both "safe and sane" personal fireworks and the larger varieties used in commercial productions. Large events such as community celebrations can still use fireworks but will require a permit from the fire district.

Central Calaveras Fire Chief Robert L. Gill said he proposed the measure because the many homes in the heavily wooded district are extremely vulnerable to fire. The Central Calaveras fire district serves Mountain Ranch, Sheep Ranch, Rail Road Flat and Glencoe.

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