All city firework booths are open
When to use fireworks and what kind you can use
The Fourth of July is just around the corner, but there are a few things residents need to be cognizant of in terms of how to safely enjoy and celebrate the Federal holiday.
As many city residents probably know by now, all 14 firework booths are open in the City of Porterville.
Mitch Sandoval, a battalion chief and fire marshal with the Porterville Fire Department, said residents can light their fireworks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from now until July 4. On Independence Day, residents can light up fireworks from 9 a.m. until midnight.
Anyone discharging fireworks after midnight on July 4 will receive a $100 administrative citation. Sandoval said the amount of the citation will increase with each offense.
However, anyone caught using illegal fireworks will receive a $1,500 administrative citation.
What are illegal fireworks?
Sandoval said anything that leaves the ground, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles, among others are illegal. To ensure the fireworks you are using aren’t illegal, just make sure they are marked by the State Fire Marshal and have a safe and sane label.
Sandoval said city fire personnel will be out in full force on July 4, along with investigators and members from the Porterville Police Department.
To stay out of trouble, he recommends residents use safe and sane fireworks in an area that is safe, with a clear distance of at least 15 feet around with no combustibles above or around and away from any structures. If any children are going to be lighting fireworks, Sandoval said to make sure there is adult supervision.
“The fire department encourages everybody to be safe using safe and sane fireworks, and to have an enjoyable Fourth of July,” Sandoval said.
In the City of Lindsay, residents are only allowed to use fireworks from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.
“Any use of fireworks, with the exception of dangerous fireworks, outside the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4th will result in a fine not exceeding $50 for the first time,” said Adam Romero, an officer with Lindsay’s Public Safety Department.
A second offense will result in a fine not exceeding $100, and any additional violation will result in a fine not exceeding $250.
Romero said those in possession or using illegal fireworks will result in a $1,000 fine. He said a second offense will result in a $2,000 fine and a third offense will result in a $3,000 fine.
Lindsay’s Public Safety Department advises residents not to use illegal fireworks and to always purchase safe and sane ones.
“Also, make sure a responsible adult is lighting safe and sane fireworks, have a water hose or other water source nearby, and always light safe and sane fireworks at least 10 feet away from a structure,” Romero said.
Joe Rosa with the Tulare County Fire Department said the only day to use fireworks in Tulare County is on July 4. He said anyone caught using fireworks before then or after midnight on July 4 will have their fireworks confiscated, and could potentially face a fine, ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.
Rosa said those caught using illegal fireworks will have them confiscated and will also be hit with a citation. He said anyone caught with over 100 pounds of illegal fireworks will face a felony charge and jail time.
To stay safe during July 4, Rosa said to always have a bucket of water available and to put used fireworks in a bucket of water and let them sit overnight.
“Also, if you are going to be lighting fireworks of any sort in open land or next to a field, make sure that you have adequate clearance so that you don’t start a fire,” Rosa said.
Calfire said severe burns, amputations, blindness, and, in some cases, death are often the result of 4th of July celebrations.
Calfire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal has the following tips for residents to stay safe.