Safe or not, fireworks stir worry
June 25, 2009
Fire officials throughout San Mateo County are gearing up for fireworks — both legal and illegal — as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.
Only two Peninsula cities — San Bruno and Pacifica — still allow fireworks designated as “safe and sane” to be sold within city limits.
The label means they do not fly or explode and have been approved by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has designated hundreds of safe and sane fireworks, which mean they do not fly or explode.
Other types of fireworks, such as rockets, missiles, roman candles and flying spinners, are illegal in
California.
Numerous cities on the Peninsula — including Burlingame, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, San Mateo and South San Francisco — have outlawed all fireworks, including those approved by the state.
San Mateo’s Deputy Fire Marshall Bill Euchner said even those fireworks designated as safe and sane are still dangerous. Illegal fireworks pose numerous problems, including potential fire dangers to the county’s grassy hillsides and nearby homes.
“It’s a huge fire risk,” he said. “Fires are started annually because of the vegetation and people are irresponsible.”
Fire officials are battling the popularity of fireworks, however. In 2005, San Bruno gave their approval to fireworks sales, which benefit such nonprofit groups and school athletic teams.
Dora Bergman, the president of the San Bruno Lions, which will Sunday open their fireworks stand on the corner of Huntington and San Bruno avenues, said all fireworks sold by the organization are approved as safe.
Redwood City Fire prevention officer Rebecca Lauricella said city fire officials expect that some residents will still set off fireworks.
“You can’t stop people,” Lauricella said.
Those found with fireworks in Redwood City will have them confiscated and fines will be imposed, she said.
If fireworks are going to be used by anyone other than professionals in organized shows, Lauricella said the safe and sane fireworks are a better choice.
“At least they are manufactured properly,” she said. “The illegal fireworks are unstable.”
Lauricella also recommended throwing water on used fireworks for added safety.
As a safer alternative, several Peninsula cities are offering professional fireworks displays for the public to enjoy, including Redwood City, Foster City and Half Moon Bay.
Celebrating the Fourth safely
Public firework displays in San Mateo County:
Foster City
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Leo J. Ryan Park, E. Hillsdale and
Shell boulevards
More info: (650) 286-3380 or recreation@fostercity.org
Redwood City
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Port of Redwood City
More info: (650) 365-1825 or www.parade.org
Half Moon Bay
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Sundown
Location: Pillar Point Harbor, Capistrano Road
More info: (650) 728-9224
akoskey@sfexaminer.com
