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Press Release: Safety First this Independence Day
Published on Jul 3, 2018 16:42
Press Release:
Type of Incident: Independence Day – Safety First
Date Written: July 3, 2018
Time Written: 7:00 a.m.
Date of Incident: July 4, 2018
Time of Incident: NA
Location of Incident: Throughout the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar
Reporting Officer: Sergeant James Woodland
File Number: NA
Safety First this Independence Day
Fireworks! They are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Yet the thrill of fireworks can bring pain and even death. Did you know:
• 230 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fire-works related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
• With California facing a long, hot summer and moisture levels in plants already far below what they were this time a year ago, it’s also worth noting fireworks are blamed for an annual average of 18,500 fires.
• That average includes 1,300 structure fires, reports the National Fire Protection Association. It also includes $43 million in property damage.
The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, which serves the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, reminds everyone the use of any type of fireworks is prohibited throughout Riverside County. Even the use of seemingly innocent devices such as sparklers are prohibited by Riverside County Ordinances 787 and 858. Exceptions include the cities of Blythe, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio, which are allowing the sale and use of State Fire Marshall approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks during the 4th of July holiday. Those who purchase fireworks in these cities may not transport, possess, sell, set-off the fireworks outside of the cities where purchased.
All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain, and the vegetation is very often dry and fireworks can easily start brush fires. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs, which can run into the millions of dollars. The Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station and Riverside County Fire Department are enforcing illegal fireworks. Persons caught with illegal fireworks are subject to arrest, citation, and/or fines. In addition to being held financially responsible, anyone who causes a fire using fireworks could be subject to civil liability for any damages occurring to private property.
To Report the use of illegal fireworks please call 951-776-1099 or to report an emergency please call 911.
Please visit one of the many professional Firework Shows in the area to celebrate our Independence Day!
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