Big Bear, CA, June 26th, 2016 – During the course of this previous weekend, CAL FIRE law enforcement conducted a multi-agency fireworks seizure operation. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 25,406 pounds of illegal fireworks. Additionally, 195 contacts were made and 51 misdemeanor citations were issued. A total of 2 felony arrests and 2 DUI arrests were made during the operation.
“There is no excuse for breaking the law when it comes to fireworks. Illegal fireworks and pyrotechnics can cause devastating injuries and damage to property,” said Tonya Hoover, California State Fire Marshal.
The interdiction operation occurred in various areas throughout San Bernardino County. The agencies that participated with CAL FIRE Law Enforcement officers on this operation include California State Parks, CAL FIRE/Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kern County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Safe and sane fireworks are to only be used in approved local jurisdictions. The public needs to understand that it is illegal to transport, possess, use or store even safe and sane fireworks in communities and rural areas that don’t allow their use. Safe and sane does not mean non-dangerous.
According to statistics from the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2014. The CPSC also says that the vast majority of injuries are caused by fireworks that are illegal in California.
CAL FIRE wants you to have a safe Fourth of July. Remember One Less Spark causes One Less Wildfire. readyforwildfire.org
