The other thing that is Illegal that gets set up all the time is not so much the spinning flowers that people throw in the air and they fly what ever direction that they want to, sometimes right back at the person that just lit the fuse, gets hit. NOT a good plan there I have to say!!!
Even the Safe and Sane Fireworks are boring, and I guess that is why people have resorted to throwing them instead of watching them. Because the flower is pretty if you let it go and it does hits thing. It spins around and around giving the illusion of a flower, then the flam changes colors it is rather pretty. When it fizzles out it still spins however the flame just quits. And goes away. They throw these because when it is lit on the ground like it is supposed to be it works fine. Thrown then it flies in a different direction and hits things and burns in different colors and starts what ever it happens to land on catches on fire. Quickly I might add since this is a sulfur excellerant.
If Fireworks are Illegal in the County then they should also be Illegal in the Cities within the said County, it doesn't make sense that the County Law doesn't trump the City's Municipal Code!!
BSRanch
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FOURTH OF JULY ALERT
Fireworks stir brush fire, safety worries
Punishment for possession of illegal fireworks can cost up to $5000 or a year in prison
By Nicky Buchanan, Staff Writer
"We're gonna have some fun tomorrow," says Ferdinand Angeles of Fontana after purchasing a packet of fireworks from a stand at the Water of Life Church Monday afternoon in Fontana. The church is located on East Avenue which borders City of Rancho Cucamonga where all fireworks are illegal and violations punishable by $1,000 fine. (Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino/Staff Photographer)
A picturesque irony and an explosion of confusion await fireworks seekers on East Avenue, the north-south border between Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga.
On the west side of the street, a large sign reads, "All fireworks are illegal in Rancho Cucamonga, $1,000 fine." Directly across the street, in Fontana -- where fireworks are legal -- sits the colorful Phantom Fireworks stand run by Water of Life Community Church volunteers who use their profits to support church ministries, said booth manager Dena Gutierrez.
The mixed message highlights the Fourth of July quandary faced by fire departments everywhere as they fight to enforce and clarify the boundaries between fun and public safety.
On Friday night at 9:28 p.m., several 911 calls came in to the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department from residents who spotted high flames in a remote, grassy hillside above Hermosa Avenue.
Firefighters arrived and requested additional Rancho Cucamonga police and fire units to help put out what started as about a one-acre brush fire, said Rancho Cucamonga Fire Battalion Chief James Curatalo.
As the fire spread uphill, encompassing nearly two acres of brush, a plan to evacuate residents above Snowdrop Street was created but never put into effect.
"Due to difficult access and its potential to spread, structural protection became a concern for some hillside homes," Curatalo said. "But the quick, coordinated response by multiple agencies and not having to deal with wind factors allowed us to encircle and extinguish it within a few hours."
Though the cause of the fire has not been formally determined, Curatalo said all indications point to illegal fireworks.
"It's predictable that less than good judgment is often used," he said. "We understand that people want to have fun and celebrate the Fourth, but there are a number of safe, local shows.
"People shooting off illegal fireworks up into the hills is unimaginable to me."
Those caught in possession of illegal fireworks can receive punishments anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony, which translates to a fine up to $5,000 or up to a year in prison, said Capt. Mike Huddleston of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
The felony charge can be issued to anyone caught with one pound of black powder, which is equal to 119 large bottle rockets, 3,400 firecrackers or 50 Roman candles, Huddleston said.
In Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Montclair and Upland, fireworks are banned, and this year Rancho Cucamonga started a new push for enforcement.
Rancho Cucamonga police and fire departments have posted multiple large signs, like the one on East Avenue, warning residents that those caught in possession of fireworks within the city boundary can be issued a $1,000 fine on the spot, said Rancho Cucamonga Fire Deputy Chief Mike Bell.
On the other hand, seven nearby cities authorize the sales and usage of "safe and sane" fireworks, including San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Chino, Grand Terrace, Fontana and Adelanto.
"Many people don't like the sale of fireworks, but our policy is that we support those cities that do or don't allow it as long as they fulfill all the safety requirements," he said. "Many of these groups are churches and other organizations who put money right back into the community."
Every year those who wish to operate a fireworks stand must reapply for a permit approved by the state fire marshal and their city. If approved, they are then permitted to sell starting noon, June 28, through noon, July 6, though details might differ in each city, Huddleston said.
The state requires vendors to visibly post their licenses and distinguishes between legal and illegal fireworks, which are not allowed to be sold or stored. Regulations also call for a fire extinguisher and guard to be present at all times and restrict the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.
Huddleston said that inspectors are then assigned specific booths and sent out at least once daily at different times to make sure all of the regulations are being met.
"You would be surprised at a lot of things that go on (near the Fourth)," Huddleston added. "The later in the evening, and the more alcohol consumed, the more that happens."
Inspector Ron Haralson of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Ontario Fire Chief Rick Rogers explained how their departments are taking measures specifically for these reasons by increasing on-call units, water tenders, engines, helicopters and even bike medics at fireworks events. At Phantom Fireworks, more than a dozen people Tuesday evening bought fireworks, and several said they were aware of Rancho Cucamonga's stance. Most were also glad they live in Fontana.
"Honestly, I think it's stupid for them to ban fireworks," said Fontana resident Charles Hoffman, accompanied by his wife, Daneth, and his 10-year-old son, Alex. "Fontana is never going to do that. Most people are safe. You're always going to have idiots, but you can't stop stupid."
Michael Walling, who attends Water of Life Church, said the fundraiser is an important event. Tuesday, he brought his 5-year-old son, John, to buy some fireworks. Something he said he couldn't do as a child living in San Diego County because it was banned.
"Obviously, safety is important," the Fontana resident said. "But these are a safe way for everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July."
Another Fontana resident, Phillip Torrez, said he didn't oppose a fireworks ban, though he also was buying fireworks.
"I think Rancho (Cucamonga) is doing a good thing," Torrez said. "You have to keep a close eye on the kids. I'm not worried about myself as much as I am about the people around us."
Staff Writer Edward Barrera contributed to this report.
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