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Community Corner

Fear the Blaze: Fireworks Warnings for the Holidays

Compiled from the City of Napa press releases on the subject of fireworks and holiday safety.

Celebrating our nation’s independence is a time to come together with neighbors, friends and family and enjoy time outside. We enjoy barbecues, swimming in our favorite water source, playing outdoor sports and having an occasional adult beverage. 

Last weekend, the responded to a fire at Westwood Hills Park early Sunday morning, June 27. Around 1 a.m., neighbors in the area of Laurel and Kilburn reported the sound of fireworks, and at 1:06 a.m. called again to report a fire in the park, as dry grasses and brush had been ignited by the fireworks.

Favorable weather and the aggressive response of more than 26 firefighters and 9 fire engines from the City and Cal Fire contained this potentially dangerous situation, limiting the spread of the flames to half an acre. Fire officials confirmed that fireworks were the cause of the fire. (Anyone with information about this fire is encouraged to call the City of Napa Fire Department).

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This fire demonstrates why the bans all fireworks, including those considered “safe and sane.” All fireworks are illegal inside the city limits and fines can reach $500. The cost can go much higher if a response from the fire department is required to put out a fire.

Fireworks purchased in an area that allows their sale must be used in that jurisdiction.  For example; fireworks purchased in the City of St. Helena must be used there and cannot be transported to another area in the county to be used. Fireworks purchased through online sources are also illegal to use in the City of Napa. 

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Through the holiday weekend, patrols will look for illegal fireworks within the City of Napa. Fireworks will be confiscated and citations will be issued. For more information about the fireworks ban or how to prevent a wildfire, contact Patrick Young at the City of Napa’s Fire Prevention Division at 707-257-9590.

The Fire Department recommends attending a professional fireworks show instead of creating your own show.  The cost of injuries and potential fires far outweigh the cost of attending a professional show. 

The Fourth of July traditionally brings an increased number of 911 calls into dispatch centers in Napa. These calls include alcohol involved accidents located on both land and water. Calls range from car, motorcycle and boat crashes; bodily injury caused by falls, fireworks, fire and drowning and near drowning.

  • This year your safety is paramount to the men and woman assigned to protect you during the holiday weekend. The following tips are being offered to make your Fourth as happy and safe as possible.
  • Do not drink alcohol and operate any type of machinery, such as a car, truck, boat, or lawn equipment
  • Wear approved life vest / flotation devices when on or near the water.
  • Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it when operating a barbeque.
  • Attend an organized fireworks display at your favorite venue.
  • Do not use consumer fireworks in the City or County of Napa. They are not allowed and you will be cited up to $500.00 for each violation. You can also be held accountable to reimburse the cost of fighting a fire if started by fireworks.
  • Wear all safety gear advised for the sport or activity you are participating in.
  • Call 911 early at the first sign of a fire, person in distress or other emergency. DO NOT WAIT or try to resolve the emergency yourself.

For more information about the fireworks ban or how to prevent a wildfire, contact Patrick Young at the City of Napa’s Fire Prevention Division at 707-257-9590

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