Fireworks can be a hazard, officials warn

On a hot, dry Fourth of July, firefighters warn to use extra caution.|

With Independence Day coming up this weekend, the Petaluma Fire Department wants citizens to celebrate the holiday safely, preferably without burning down half of the city.

The department issued notices that areas south of Hill Boulevard and east of Mountain View Avenue are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity zones, banning all fireworks in the area, including designated “safe and sane” fireworks.

“We will have patrols with a police officer to issue tickets to offenders,” said fire marshal and brigade captain Cary Fergus. “The fine is $1,000 for anyone caught with illegal fireworks. There will also be a $250 fine for anyone using fireworks of any kind in the fire hazard severity zones.

The fire department responds to two to four fires every Fourth of July. Fergus said the most common calls are trashcan fires and bark fires. Last year firefighters fought an 8-acre grass fire.

“We will be visible. We’ll have our engines out and we have a crew constantly on standby in case the worst happens,” Fergus said.

To reduce the danger of brushfires, the fire department issued over 2,000 letters to homeowners in the southern part of the city with high vegetation growing on their property. Called the weed abatement program, every summer people with dangerous amounts of dry grass growing on their land are required by the city to mow it before it becomes a fire hazard.

“If the homeowner doesn’t address the problem, the fire department hires a company to go out and trim the grass for them,” said fire inspector Corinne Barclay. “The fees are sent to them through the mail. Failure to pay makes us attach the fees to their taxes. It’s their responsibility to keep their places safe.”

In the other areas of Petaluma, where “safe and sane” fireworks are approved, the police department will have extra patrolmen on the streets to ensure the celebrations are conducted safely. “Dangerous” fireworks, banned for public use in the state, include fireworks containing arsenic sulfide, boron, chlorates with the exception of colored smoke mixtures or ground spinners, fireworks that explode, skyrockets, Roman candles, chasers, sparklers more than 10 inches in length and fireworks designed to “create surprise” or detonate through friction. Firework kits are also banned.

Nonprofit organizations are selling certified “safe and sane” fireworks through an agreement with the city council. Though they are only allowed to sell up to five days prior to Independence Day, firework wholesalers sell fireworks to nonprofits at a reduced price, who then set up temporary booths across town to raise money for their organizations.

“All the proceeds go to our cause and, at least for our stand, the people in the booths donate their time,” said Anthony Bendik, a volunteer for the Loma Vista Immersion Academy’s booth on North McDowell Boulevard near Friedman’s Home Improvement. “We need to get the money to support our music and arts programs.”

Bendik has three children at the academy who play music - two play piano and one plays the violin.

For people who want to see a professional fireworks display, the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds is hosting its annual Petaluma 4th Rock and Rockets exhibition.

The fireworks display is sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company, 101 North Brewing Company, HenHouse Brewing Company, Petaluma Hills Brewing Company, Grupo Modelo, Arolo Pump and Well company and the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. The show is preceded by a performance by “the Killer Queens,” described as the world’s only all-female Queen tribute band.

The gates open at 5 p.m., the concert is at 7:30 and the fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5. Children under 10 get free admission.

The fireworks show is visible from most parts of the city.

(Contact William Rohrs at william.rohrs@arguscouri er.com.)

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