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Fireworks are illegal everywhere in Contra Costa County!
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and local law enforcement agencies across the county have warned residents about the extreme dangers of using fireworks in the current high fire danger conditions.
Law enforcement plans to aggressively enforce local ordinances which make fireworks use illegal.
Fire and law enforcement officials want residents and visitors to know that all fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal everywhere in the county. There are no “safe and sane” fireworks, regardless of markings to the contrary; they are all dangerous and uncontrollable. Additionally, the potential for serious injury posed by these illegal devices and the risk of causing catastrophic wildfires during this time of high fire danger is great.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District announced the availability of a toll-free hotline for use by residents to immediately reach their local law enforcement non-emergency phone lines to report illegal fireworks use in their areas. The illegal fireworks reporting phone number is 1-833-885-2021.
In 2021, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted a new fireworks ordinance strengthening regulations regarding the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county. Under the ordinance, property and vessel owners are responsible for any use of fireworks on their property. Violations are subject to an initial fine of $100, $200 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for each additional annual violation.
Similar city ordinances establish the illegality of fireworks in their communities and set violation fines.
“The only safe and sane approach to fireworks in Contra Costa County is not to use them,” said Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. “Numerous examples demonstrate they are uncontrollable and dangerous. In current high-fire-danger conditions, their use is nothing short of irresponsible with the very real possibility of causing life- and property-threatening wildfires and maiming injuries.”
“Fire danger remains high as we approach the Fourth of July holiday,” said Diana Becton, Contra Costa District Attorney. “My message to those who engage in unlawful activities is clear: In Contra Costa County, the use of fireworks is strictly prohibited. My office will work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who put our communities in danger through acts of unlawful burning.”
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