Think again about about celebrating the Fourth of July with a round of fireworks this year.
The sale, use or possession of fireworks is illegal in San Luis Obispo County and can result in a misdemeanor violation and a fine of up to $2,000.
Local authorities said the ban is a preemptive move to limit civilian injuries and fire damage that can result from the use of fireworks.
“They’re basically bombs,” Cal Fire captain Jane Schmitz said. “People hold them in their hands; they lose control of them when the firework leaves the ground. Then we have to take you, or pieces of you, to the hospital.”
The fireworks referenced by Schmitz do not comply with the State Fire Marshall’s designation of being “safe and sane.”
Safe and sane fireworks do not leave the ground or explode. The use of these fireworks is allowed in San Miguel Community Services District, Templeton Community Services District, Oceano Community Services District, the city of Grover Beach and the city of Arroyo Grande.
Fireworks of any kind are illegal in all other areas of San Luis Obispo County.
“It basically provides a little shower effect,” said Schmitz of a typical safe and sane firework. “I’ve heard people say they’re boring.”
Boring, maybe, but fire marshall Rodger Maggio said boredom is better than excitement at the cost of injury.
“Since we don’t have (fireworks), we don’t have incidents,” he said.
In cities that allow fireworks, Maggio said that fires and injuries on the Fourth of July are “numerous and constant.”
An average of 9,200 people nationwide are treated in hospital emergency rooms annually due to firework-related injuries, he said. Sparklers, fountains and novelties,which comply with safe and sane regulations, account for 28 percent of those injuries.
In 2005, there were 1,800 structure fires, 60 civilian injuries and $39 million worth of direct property damage nationally caused by fireworks, Maggio said.
While citizens might not be able to launch their own fireworks, they can travel to a number of neighboring cities to view displays regulated by licensed officials.
Spectators can view firework shows in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Santa Maria, Paso Robles and Meridian Winery Vineyards.
Interested parties are advised to arrive at these locations well in advance of the events’ start times.
The Pismo Beach display attracts an average of 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, said Kristen Coppes, who is the executive assistant for Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“If you want a decent spot on the beach, most people get there by 8 or 9 in the morning,” Coppes said. “By noon, it starts to get really packed, and by 5 (p.m.), good luck.”
Fireworks are launched from the pier at Pismo Beach. The display begins at dusk and lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. Viewing is free and open to the public.