Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire), East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and law enforcement agencies across the county warned residents about the extreme dangers of fireworks use in current critically high fire danger conditions and reminded of the county ordinance enacted last year, along with numerous city ordinances, that strengthen enforcement abilities, in a presentation in Concord.
Fire and law enforcement leaders reminded residents and visitors that all fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal everywhere in the county. There are no “Safe & Sane” fireworks, regardless of labeling, 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 extremely high fire danger is great.
Cause of fire
On June 21, 2022, Con Fire investigators announced fireworks were the cause of a four-alarm overnight grassfire that burned 120 acres, threatened some 100 homes with destruction, and forced the evacuation of 2,200 residents. As of today, the fire remains under investigation.
Last year, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted a new fireworks ordinance (Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code) strengthening regulations regarding the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the County.
Under the new ordinance, property and vessel owners are responsible for ensuring use of fireworks does not occur on their property and may be liable for ordinance violations if use does occur. Violations of the ordinance are subject to an initial fine of $100, $200 for a second violation within one year, and $500 for each additional violation within one year.
Similar city ordinances
Similar city ordinances establish the illegality of fireworks in their communities and set violation fines
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 to simply not use them,” said Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
“As we saw just last week in Pittsburg, they are uncontrollable and dangerous, illegal, and their use – especially in our current drought conditions – is irresponsible posing the very real possibility of causing wildland fires that could easily destroy homes and threaten lives in this time of critically high fire risk.”
Threat to life and property
“The severe drought underscores the danger fast-moving fires pose to life and property. The use of illegal fireworks is strictly prohibited in Contra Costa County and we as residents need to remain committed to preventing their use,” said Diana Becton, Contra Costa District Attorney. “My office will work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to curtail the use of illegal fireworks. Those who engage in acts of unlawful burning that put our communities in danger will face legal jeopardy.”
Safe and sane
“The women and men of the Antioch Police Department want to remind everyone that ALL fireworks are illegal in the City of Antioch, even those marked ‘safe and sane,’” said Police Chief Steve Ford, Antioch Police Department.
“Every year numerous unnecessary injuries and fires are caused by people setting off fireworks. Additionally, numerous family pets are startled by the noise of fireworks, escape and become lost. Please do your part this 4th of July to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday.”
Committed to collaborate
Brentwood Police Department is committed to collaborating with Con Fire and their neighboring agencies
“The Brentwood Police Department is committed to collaborating with Con Fire and our neighboring agencies to prevent and enforce fireworks violations. All fireworks are illegal in the County and in the City of Brentwood,” said Captain Doug Silva, Brentwood Police.
“Unfortunately, this year we’ve already experienced a tragic accident as a result of children playing with illegal fireworks and our goal is to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Silva added, “Please enjoy the legal fireworks displays throughout the County and have a happy, safe 4th of July holiday celebrating our Nation’s independence.”
High-risk fire season
“Already several weeks into what promises to be a high-risk fire season, we want to remind residents of the very real dangers involved with illegal fireworks,” said Lafayette Police Chief Ben Alldritt.
“We owe it to our friends, families, and neighbors to be safe and avoid fireworks risks this Fourth of July holiday -- the City of Lafayette wants everyone to be safe and avoid fireworks-related accidents and fires.”
Laws related to firework violation
In addition to all associated firework laws, the Oakley Municipal Code allows for a fine of $1,000
“The Oakley Police Department stands ready to enforce all laws related to firework violations,” said Chief Paul Beard, Oakley Police Department.
“In addition to all associated firework laws, the Oakley Municipal Code allows for a fine of $1,000 for any unlawful use, discharge, possession, storage or sale of fireworks.”
Zero-tolerance policy
"The 4th of July is a time to celebrate with our community and family. Let’s enjoy this year without the fear of illegal fireworks injuring someone or starting a fire,” said Chief Brian Addington, Pittsburg Police Department.
“Pittsburg Police officers will be out in force this holiday rapidly responding to illegal fireworks calls. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and will cite or arrest anyone in violation of the city of Pittsburg Fireworks Ordinance.”
The celebration
Richmond Police Department encourage our community to come and celebrate Richmond’s fireworks display
“Our great nation’s Independence Day is something we can all celebrate. We encourage our community to come and celebrate Richmond’s fireworks display on July 3rd and ask that all of our community respect each other’s right to safety and tranquility by not engaging in the use of illegal fireworks,” said Acting Chief Louie Tirona, Richmond Police Department.
Reminding of the firework dangers
“We hope that you are having a fun and safe summer. As the July 4 th holiday approaches, we would like to remind you that all fireworks are dangerous and illegal in the City of San Pablo,” said Chief Ron Raman, San Pablo Police Department.
“Please come and enjoy our daytime July 4 th family celebration at the Community Center. Our police department will be working closely with our partners to enforce any violations of the law. Happy 4 th of July.”
Strict rules
In Contra Costa County, all fireworks are illegal, even those deemed ‘safe and sane’ in surrounding counties
“Although we want everyone to enjoy the 4 th of July, we want to remind our community ‘no fireworks means no fireworks,’” said Chief Jamie Knox, Walnut Creek Police Department.
“In Contra Costa County, all fireworks are illegal, even those deemed ‘safe and sane’ in surrounding counties. Also, our county supervisors passed an ordinance last year holding the property owner liable for damages if their use of illegal fireworks causes fire or injuries.
"Help us protect our homes, wildlife, environment, and each other. Enjoy Independence Day in a very safe way!”
Drought conditions
Several fireworks fires have already been sparked this year with drought conditions and prolonged warm, dry and windy weather, making fire danger unusually high and making fireworks an even greater threat to our communities than in wetter and cooler years.
In May of 2021, a major fire in Antioch started by a single firework caused the destruction of eight apartments and the displacement of some 40 residents. Numerous additional fires throughout the area that year were also caused by, or suspected of being caused by, fireworks.
Because of prolonged drought conditions, communities across the District have experienced a 75% increase in grass and vegetation fires this year as compared to two years ago. The increase since 2021 is 20%. This year, 753 grass, vegetation and exterior fires have burned across the District.
Last year, Con Fire responded to nearly 100 such fires during the entire Independence Day weekend, July 2 – 5, alone. More than a dozen of these fires are known to have been caused by fireworks while the majority were suspected of being fireworks-caused.
Attending public fireworks
Officials strongly encourage residents to attend official public fireworks shows rather than turn to illegal fireworks use for their Independence Day celebrations. Other alternatives include watching fireworks displays on television or online video, using safe and readily available glow-stick products, or the many other ways of safely celebrating. Con Fire will publish a list of all Fire Marshal-approved Contra Costa County displays in late June.
Fire and law officials urge residents to protect their homes, families, and neighborhoods by reporting all use of illegal fireworks immediately to their local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency phone line. In cases of fires or where immediate risk to life or property exists, 911 should be called.
