| Fireworks, fire season make for dangerous mix |
| For many Americans, the Fourth of July presents itself as the perfect excuse for choreographing their very own dazzling pyrotechnics extravaganza. And while we can hardly fault these individuals for wanting to fill the skies over their neighborhoods with colorful displays of patriotism – manifesting itself in sparkles, smoke, deafening bangs and incessant woo-ing – it is important to remember how dangerous the use of fireworks can be, in terms of both personal safety and the potential for wildfires. Each year, illegal and improperly used fireworks cause more fires nationwide than all other causes combined. Last year there were more than 500 reports of illegal or mishandled fireworks in San Bernardino County in the two-week period surrounding July 4. Seventy-five of those incidents resulted in some kind of fire. Nationwide in 2003, four people died as a result of fireworks mishaps, and another 9,300 ended their Independence Day celebrations in a hospital emergency room. Many of those hurt are children – 45 percent of those injured by fireworks were age 14 and younger. Unfortunately, fireworks season happens to coincide with fire season. The use of illegal fireworks was blamed for the 3,750-acre forest fire in tinder-dry Little Sand Canyon in July 1997. A veteran helicopter pilot was killed fighting the blaze. Many communities, noting the risks, have made it illegal to use any fireworks. Others in this fire-prone region should do the same. Nonetheless, communities in San Bernardino County that still allow the sale and discharge of state-approved fireworks include Chino, Colton, Fontana and Rialto. None of the Inland Valley’s Los Angeles County cities allow fireworks. To head off the potential danger, fire agencies are cracking down on the illegal, or sometimes just plain irresponsible, use of fireworks. Those who violate the law face fines up to $1,000. And even if you’re in a city like Chino, for example, that allows safe and sane fireworks, you’d better know exactly where you are in Chino. You can be fined $500 for using approved fireworks in prohibited locations – the Preserve, south of Kimball Avenue and west of Euclid Avenue, south of Merrill Avenue and east of Euclid, and any public property such as parks or parking lots. And, of course, use of illegal fireworks anywhere in town will get you that $1,000 fine. Fireworks enthusiasts who want their celebrations to end in exhilaration, rather than injuries or fines, need to be responsible, safe and follow the rules. Better yet, take your family to one of the many professional fireworks displays put on in cities across the Inland Valley for that holiday dose of controlled and colorful bursts of fire. Disagree? We’d like to hear from you. Write us at letters@dailybulletin.com |
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