California continues to experience record dry conditions. On January 17, 2014 Governor Brown signed Executive Order B-29-15 declaring a Drought State of Emergency for the State of California. Considering the extremely dry conditions within our region we encourage you to attend one of the professionally-produced public firework displays near you rather than risk starting a fire. .Safe and Sane fireworks, stamped with the State Fire Marshal seal, are the only fireworks that are allowed to be discharged in California. Any fireworks that explode, move about the ground or shoot into the sky are dangerous and illegal in California. Parents may be held liable for any fire damage or injury caused by their children using illegal fireworks.
Anyone caught with illegal fireworks, with fireworks in prohibited areas or discharging fireworks outside of designate time frames will be cited and the fireworks will be confiscated. Possession of dangerous, illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor in California and may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for one (1) year. Possession of dangerous, illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor in Merced County and may be punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for up to six (6) months.
FIREWORKS SAFETY
Anyone who causes a fire through the misuse of fireworks is liable and will be billed for the cost of controlling the fire. If you are found in possession of sufficient dangerous, illegal fireworks, you may be guilty of a felony and punished by imprisonment in a state prison or county jail for up to one (1) year and/or up to a $50,000.00 fine.
For more information please call or stop by your local fire station.
Most wildfires in California are caused by people; which means they can be prevented. Remember, “One Less Spark…One Less Wildfire”
For more information please visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
