San Andreas, CA…Each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression.

The 2016 Tulloch Fire which burned 82 acres in Tuolumne County off of Lake Tulloch was determined to be caused by the use of illegal fireworks. The case was submitted to CAL FIRE’s Civil Cost Recovery Program and in 2018 the case was settled with full restitution to the State in the amount of $269,352.34.

Illegal fireworks in California are those that explode, leave the ground, or move about uncontrollably. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, and roman candles. Use of any fireworks which causes an injury or fire may result in a citation or arrest.

Legal fireworks include a “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire Marshal on the packaging but some illegal fireworks, especially those from out of the country, may have a forged logo on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks are legal, you can contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility or local fire station.

Use Safe and Sane fireworks responsibly, only where permitted, and never around dead or dying vegetation. Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision. Parents are liable for injuries or damages caused by their children’s use of fireworks. Check with your local fire department to see if Safe and Sane fireworks are legal to use in your area.
Possessing or using any type of fireworks is illegal in the following areas:
• Tuolumne County – all areas including the City of Sonora
• Calaveras County – In the Ebbetts Pass Fire District, Calaveras Big Tree’s State Park
• All federal lands in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including the Stanislaus National Forest; and along any State highway rights-of-ways.

Fines for violations start at $240.00 per count, per person. Enforcement actions will range from misdemeanor citations to felony custodial arrests.

CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Josh White says, “We have many community sponsored pyrotechnic shows throughout the Motherlode. Due to the extreme fire conditions in our community, please enjoy the professional shows instead of possibly causing a devastating fire by using fireworks yourself.”

For more firework safety tips visit http://www.calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_factsheets
For additional information on preparing for and preventing wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
Follow us on Twitter: @CALFIRETCU and on Facebook @CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit
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