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View Winners → ‘Safe and Sane’ Fireworks are Anything but Safe
News Jun 14, 2018
| Photo by Terry Miller/HeySoCal.com
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There are no real safe or sane fireworks. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
By Terry Miller
According to Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Fire Departments PIO, there is nothing safe or sane about any fireworks. “Safe and sane is a marketing term. Even sparklers can reach 1,000 degrees and cause burn and injury.”
Derderian is not alone in that manner of thinking – there’s hard evidence of death and severe injuries from fireworks each and every July 4.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, these sobering statistics should make everyone think twice before setting off a firework:
-In 2013 fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires.
-More than one-quarter (28%) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on Independence Day. Almost half (47%) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.
-According to the CPSC, more than one-third (35%) of the people seen in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries from June 20 – July 20, 2014 were under 15; nine percent were under five.
-CPSC data show that sparklers alone accounted for more than one one-quarter (28%) of the emergency room fireworks injuries seen from June 20 – July 20, 2014.
The Fourth of July means fireworks across America and that can mean thousands of injuries and trips to hospital emergency wards.
“An estimated 7,600 of the total 11,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2016 were treated in hospital emergency departments during the period between June 18, 2016 and July 18, 2016, according to a report in 2016 by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and its National Electronic Injury Surveillance System,” according to the Insurance Journal.
“Safe and sane fireworks” means any fireworks which do not fall within the definition of “dangerous fireworks” or “exempt fireworks,” according to California State Fire Marshal.
But there is some grey area here for debate; especially when you see so many community organizations selling fireworks and yet prohibiting the use in that city (except for safe and sane).
But what determines the criteria?
State Law is being violated if you:
-Advertise the sale of fireworks without a license.
-Advertise to sell any class of pyrotechnics without a license or permit.
-Import or export, manufacture, sale or offer to sale fireworks to California fireworks into or from California without an import/export license.
-Sell Safe and Sane Fireworks other than from noon June 28 – noon July 6.
-Sell or transfer Safe and Sane Fireworks at other than fixed place of business.
-Sell, give or deliver Safe and Sane Fireworks to anyone under 16 years of age (Illegal).
A quick search on Craigslist Los Angeles revealed a huge cache of what could be considered illegal fireworks. One post had the impudence to post this a few days ago:
“Fireworks for Sale
Only assortments ‘the max’
Big cakes, salutes and regular 500gm
For info call/text
NO COPS OR ANY TYPE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT”
According to Cal Fire’s Deputy Director Michael Mohler, anything that goes up (i.e. a bottle rocket etc.) is NOT a safe or sane firework.
Recently, Mohler’s team of investigators made one of the largest illegal fireworks seizures in California’s history.
Following months of investigation, CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrested seven individuals and seized over 49,000 pounds of fireworks in May in connection to a large-scale illegal firework ring. Law enforcement officers found these suspects had been illegally importing, transporting, storing, distributing, and selling illegal and dangerous fireworks throughout California for more than 30 years.
CAL FIRE law enforcement officers seized over 49,000 pounds of illegal fireworks stored at locations in Copperopolis, Modesto, Salida, Hayward, Walnut Creek, and Oakland. In addition, a load of dangerous illegal fireworks ready for transportation was also discovered. Officers also seized over $115,000 as well as a variety of computers, cell phones, firearms, and personal items.
