Happy July 4 — please be smart
Today, we celebrate 247 years of independence as a nation.
With most people getting the day off from work, there will be celebrations galore — some in backyards, others at local parks and lakes, and even more at fireworks-friendly festivities such as the one at Silver Dollar Speedway tonight.
Troubles aside, we have a lot to be thankful for as a nation, and it's a great day to celebrate.
Now, let's be smart about it.
In a way, it might seem the height of sad irony that the mere topic of fireworks on the Fourth of July has become such a hot-button topic. But, here we are — and the actions of a few inconsiderate people, every single year, are entirely to blame.
Most people love fireworks, and what's not to love? Even the people who have legitimate reasons to not like fireworks — including the great amount of stress it causes animals as well as many people every year — don't object much to a big, official 20-minute-long community display at night on the actual Fourth of July.
The problem is, too many people these days are buying fireworks a week or more ahead of time and turning the celebration into a twoweek affair — often in areas where fireworks aren't legal in the first place. This isn't just inconsiderate — don't these people have jobs to go to in the morning, like the people they're keeping awake? — but with dry vegetation at abnormally high levels this year, it's also dangerous.
That's why we're glad to see local authorities say they're going to crack down.
First, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey sent out a press release June 27 reminding everyone that all fireworks, even those advertised as “safe and sane,” are illegal in all unincorporated areas of the county, and are legal only within the towns of Oroville and Gridley. Ramsey also noted that even possessing such fireworks is illegal and punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
“Fire danger will be high this Fourth of July holiday and any possession in the county area will be vigorously prosecuted,” Ramsey said.
He also warned that any fire started by fireworks — intentionally or not — would be prosecuted as a felony.
The city of Chico has also warned residents that it is illegal to possess fireworks within city limits. Again, just because you bought “safe and sane” fireworks in Gridley or Oroville or Hamilton City doesn't mean they're allowed here.
We hope people heed these warnings. Every year, the number of calls police and fire personnel have to answer on July 4 skyrockets (no pun intended), and much of it can be traced to illegal fireworks.
Alcohol, of course, keeps authorities busy too. From domestic disturbances to drunk driving to accidents on the river and elsewhere, poor judgment puts many people's lives needlessly in danger on this day, like too many others.
Independence Day is the greatest of pure American holidays. It's a fantastic time to celebrate our freedom by doing things we love with the people we love. What better way to honor our country and respect your fellow countrymen than by making some smart decisions along the way?
Happy Fourth of July, everybody.
It is illegal to possess fireworks within Chico city's limits. Just because you bought `safe and sane' fireworks in Gridley or Oroville or Hamilton City doesn't mean they're allowed in Chico.