Fireworks demonstrations highlight dangers

On Tuesday, local law enforcement agencies got together to highlight the dangers of fireworks, both illegal and those considered. ‘safe and sane.’ If used improperly, both could ignite dry brush instantly.

Oranges, cantaloupe and watermelon – all obliterated in seconds because of M80’s, M100’s and M 500’s, all illegal fireworks. A bottle rocket set nearby brush on fire in seconds. A dummy, maimed after an encounter with the explosives. All examples Salinas firefighters and the Monterey County Bomb Squad showed Tuesday, of just how dangerous any fireworks can be.

“Do you really want your children playing with something that burns at this temperature, that’s this dangerous?” asks Salinas Fire Chief Edmond Rodriguez. “You know, is it worth it? It’s a little bit of fun, but is it really worth it?”

According to Chief Rodriguez, every year hundreds of children in California are maimed or injured because of fireworks. Last year, 12 citations were issued to people busted for selling illegal fireworks. Close to 2,000 lbs of illegal fireworks were confiscated. He has this warning to people looking to buy fireworks.

“It’s difficult to tell what’s legal and what’s not,” Chief Rodriguez said. “In simple terms, if it launches in the air or explodes, it’s always illegal. If it sparkles and doesn’t explode, more than likely it’s safe and sane. It’s really the only true difference.”

He also warns them to look for the ‘safe and sane’ seal.

“We’re certainly concerned with illegal fireworks sales so our detectives are looking online,” Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin said. “Looking at the places we typically see people sell illegal fireworks, following up on information we get from informants and concerned citizens about those sales.”

We’re already hearing reports of illegal fireworks being set off all around the Central Coast. We saw evidence of that earlier this week when authorities said kids playing with illegal fireworks accidentally started a wildfire in Castroville. We asked firefighters how we can protect our homes if illegal fireworks go off near us.

Aside from having defensible space, a couple of yard tools within reach can make all the difference.

“Another measure you can take is have your garden hose ready to go,” Salinas Battalion Chief Sam Klemek said. “Have them connected, have access to ladders in case you do need to get up on your roof or get up on your neighbor’s roof.”

Other tips for homeowners include covering your trash can in case a bottle rocket were to land on it. Also keep your woodpile and other combustibles away from your house. Firefighters are also concerned with foreclosures because grass is growing tall around these empty homes with no one to maintain the yard.

If you’re caught with illegal fireworks, you could face a $1,250 fine. You could face even more consequences if those fireworks start a fire.