PRESS RELEASE
City of Porterville
291 N. Main Street
Porterville, CA 93257
www.ci.porterville.ca.us/newslist.php
For more information contact:
Yuriko Velarde, Administrative Analyst
yvelarde@ci.porterville.ca.us
June 14, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAFE AND SANE FIREWORK AWARENESS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY
With the Fourth of July approaching, the City of Porterville would like to encourage the community to plan ahead to enjoy a fun and safe holiday. Understanding the risks of using fireworks and abiding by the Safe and Sane Firework program is essential to personal safety. Safe and Sane fireworks are those that do not fall within the definition of dangerous or exempt and include the State of California Fire Marshal seal. The Porterville Fire Department has been enforcing this program in compliance with the California Health & Safety Code to ensure that fireworks sold within city limits are legal and are sold with the care and mindfulness of the significant dangers involved.
The City wants residents to know about firework safety and the permitted and prohibited use of fireworks to responsibly celebrate America’s Independence Day. Firework purchases within city limits can only be made from eligible organizations selling safe and sane fireworks. Firework sales will be begin at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28th and end at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th. Any firework not bearing the State seal, or that goes up in the air or explodes, is prohibited and illegal and any person caught using these will be issued a fine. The fine amounts for illegal fireworks begin at $2,500 and up to $10,000 per occurrence, while fines for the use of safe and sane fireworks outside the allowable time of 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28th through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th range from $1,000 to $5,000. Any time that illegal fireworks are discharged, they pose a potential risk of fire and significant risk of injury.
It is also important to prepare when handling fireworks. When using fireworks, always have a bucket of water nearby, do no use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials, never point or throw them and never allow children to handle them. Using fireworks improperly or irresponsibly can result in severe burns, amputations and even death. In addition to these hazards, the loud noises scare pets and the explosions can be harmful to people that suffer from post-traumatic stress. Always be mindful of surrounding neighbors and remember that illegal fireworks are not only dangerous but a nuisance to residents.
The safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy a great show is to attend a public firework display and leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. This year’s Freedom Fest, presented by the City of Porterville and Eagle Mountain Casino, will be held on Saturday, July 1st, and will showcase an array of local food vendors, a spray zone, and a spectacular display of fireworks! This will be a fun and family friendly event and an enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday. Food and informational vendors interested in participating still have time to apply for a spot. Food vendors have until Thursday, June 15th to submit applications and informational vendors have until Friday, June 23rd. For more details on this event please visit the Parks & Leisure page at https://www.ci.porterville.ca.us/.
Remember to share your experience using the hashtag, #freedomfest and to tag @portervilleparksandleisure.
