Call 911 for all emergencies
LAND LINE ONLY For SHERIFF
San Bernardino County Sheriff
(909) 824-0680 (non-emergency)
Crime Prevention (909) 430-2224
Citizen’s Patrol (909) 430-2222
Firework HOTLINE? 909-430-2201
only on July 4th from 7 pm to 1 2 pm.
REPORT ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND
UNSAFE USE OF "SAFE AND SANE"
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Beware fireworks 10:00 PM PDT on Sunday, July 1, 2007 PE
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A tinder-dry summer makes pyrotechnic restraint imperative for Inland residents this holiday week. Fireworks, even the legal kind, are too hazardous to play with. It is easy enough to celebrate American independence without risking wildfire, injury, fines or jail. A private fireworks display is not worth the risk of igniting a devastating fire. With less than four inches of rain this year and the forecast predicting temperatures in the mid-90s this week, the Inland region is prone to wildfire. But every year, some residents ignore sound advice. Firefighters in 2006 doused more than 100 blazes across the Inland region over the July Fourth holiday weekend, including a blaze in Grand Terrace that charred 425 acres.
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Nor is a little Fourth of July fun worth the possibility of a criminal record. Police, county sheriffs and area fire marshals are stepping up enforcement on fireworks this year, and rightly so. Backed by tough county ordinances, authorities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties say they plan to take a zero-tolerance approach to illicit pyrotechnics this year. Violators risk fines of up to $1,000 and the possibility of one year in county jail. San Bernardino County last year collected more than $75,000 in fines from fireworks scofflaws.
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While fines might not cover the costs of heightened holiday enforcement, such penalties send a clear message that illegal fireworks are not worth the risk. And fireworks, legal and illegal alike, can bring devastating injury. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Administration estimates that last year, 9,200 people nationwide got treatment in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks- related injuries. About 6,400 of those injuries happened during the 30 days surrounding the July Fourth holiday.
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Celebrate Independence Day, by all means, with family and friends. And enjoy one of the dozens of professional fireworks displays across the region. But residents should avoid risky personal pyrotechnics this year and make it a truly happy July Fourth.
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Dear Gramps :
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There was an article in todays news paper that needs some more Data. In particular Mr. Brian Phelps of Grand Terrace's representations. OF California's 478 Incorporated Cities and 250 “Communities” Allow Fireworks. Hundreds or Thousands of Towns, and Un-Incorporated Communities are affected by those who promote the use and sale of Fireworks. The State of California pays for fire fighting when ever there is a large fire. If you rack up the cost of fighting fires caused by fireworks vs. the Cash Earned by the “Charities” and Youth Teams one has to ask is this wise use of funds, manpower and our means of celebrating America’s Birth with fireworks.
In Grand Terrace Fireworks were not a “Tradition” until relatively recently. The sale of Fireworks and the “Need” for funds is directly related to the “City Requirement of the Sports Teams to pay for Lights and Park Use”. It has no relationship to any other increased cost, or services being provided pre firework dependency.
The GT Little League’s Vice President has as much as said to the entire City Council they will not give up selling fireworks and not seek alternative means of raising funds unless and until the council forces them to do so. No such effort has been made, inspite of the High Fire Danger, and Last Years Pico fire, which was started with “Safe and Sane Fireworks”.
In Grand Terrace Fireworks were not a “Tradition” until relatively recently. The sale of Fireworks and the “Need” for funds is directly related to the “City Requirement of the Sports Teams to pay for Lights and Park Use”. It has no relationship to any other increased cost, or services being provided pre firework dependency.
The GT Little League’s Vice President has as much as said to the entire City Council they will not give up selling fireworks and not seek alternative means of raising funds unless and until the council forces them to do so. No such effort has been made, inspite of the High Fire Danger, and Last Years Pico fire, which was started with “Safe and Sane Fireworks”.
Brian Phelps statement in the News Today:
Hoping that red, white and blue make plenty of green are the Grand Terrace Little League and Grand Terrace Community Soccer Club. Splitting profits 50-50, the two youth groups are again joining forces to operate what is reportedly Grand Terrace's only fireworks stand, located near the Stater Bros. market at 22441 Barton Road.
"Through fireworks sales our league is able to keep registration fees low so we can teach more youth the great American pastime of baseball and maybe some life lessons along the way," said Brian Phelps, the local Little League's vice president and fireworks chairman. "It's not just about raising money for sports - it's also about preserving the tradition of celebrating America's birth with fireworks."
Perhaps the Liability of the Fire should go back to the team or city where the “Safe and Sane Fireworks” were sold if they start a fire or injure a person other than the “Adult who purchased it”. Perhaps the fireworks could have a code that would be traceable to the Stand and vendor so the State of California and County Fire Departments could be paid for their services. Not to mention the Hospitals and Dog Pounds. Perhaps it is Mr. Phelps's Employer the City of Grand Terrace that should look into the "Tradition" and go back to being a Community where fireworks are not allowed. Where 4th of July was spent at the point of Mt. Vernon watching the Orange Show Fireworks Show from lawn chairs. Not the drunken fire shows of the last two years.
