From the President

30 June 2010

Greetings friends and neighbors,

There are few issues that have confronted the California fire service more compelling than illegal fireworks, particularly the illegal importation and smuggling of aerial shells and related pyrotechnics. The California Fireworks Law was passed in 1938. Fireworks are classified through laboratory analysis, field examinations and the test firing of items by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Professional pyrotechnic operators, fireworks manufactures, importers-exporters, wholesalers, retailers and public display companies are all regulated. The permit process protects the industry and the public from the potential of injury and property damage. These rules include the proper Department of Transportation placards on vehicles transporting fireworks and the use of shipping labels. Failure to follow these critical rules exposes everyone to significant hazards.  

As an example of the size and scope of the problem, last year 3,400 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated in Torrance by the Redondo Beach and Torrance Fire Departments with a street value of $150,000. Two men were convicted. Several thousand pounds of fireworks from China along with over 400 pounds of black powder were confiscated along with assorted weapons just in this one case.  

In June of this year, over $500,000 worth of illegal fireworks were seized by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in La Puente after concerned neighbors contacted authorities about the sale of fireworks from the home. Following a traffic stop on a van leaving the home, deputies located over $10,000 worth of illegal fireworks. A subsequent search of the house reveled the remaining stash of contraband. According to deputies at the scene, every room was filled with fireworks, “stacked from floor-to-ceiling” with no furniture in the house. In this case, three men were taken into custody. You do not need to be a trained explosive ordnance disposal technical or seasoned firefighter to appreciate the danger such operations pose to those who live near clandestine operations.

In years past, the primary concern for local fire officials and law enforcement was illegal bottle rockets and firecrackers smuggled into the country, primarily from Mexico. Today the priority is large shipments of aerial shells such as those used at large public displays. These balls of explosives are launched into the air utilizing a mortar system. This is not the kind of entertainment you would want in your driveway. The days of simple street sales of low end fireworks has been dramatically superseded by large, out of state operations shipping large quantities of exploding product into the state utilizing the US mail, rental trucks and common carrier shipping services through Internet orders. This is particularly dangerous because these shipments are frequently not properly marked indicating the hazards of the shipment.

In Southern California, the use of these illegal fireworks is the cause of almost 100% of all fireworks related fires and injuries. Many structure fires are caused by falling burning debris that land on roofs. The sheer volume of illegal products and their availability have caused an ever increasing concern for officials. What used to be a small local and limed problem has grown to the need for “massive, coordinated effort between state, federal and local agencies if we are to control the growing tide of illegal fireworks use in California” according to the California State Fire Marshal’s office.

While the danger of fireworks is obvious, the less obvious is the environmental concerns.  According to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the past practices of open burning and disposal of dangerous fireworks violated environmental laws and regulations. This not only impacts on those who discharge fireworks, but on authorities who need to dispose of stockpiled illegal fireworks that must be destroyed. In other words, getting rid of the contraband has also become a significant problem.

While the large commercial grade mortars are clearly problematic, the simple bottle rocket still causes damage wherever they are used. In California, if it leaves the ground, it is illegal to possess or discharge, even in areas were fireworks are otherwise legal. Possession of non Safe & Sane Fireworks can result in criminal prosecution, seizure of the contraband and substantial fines. Any damage caused by the use of illegal fireworks can result in felony prosecution and substantial civil liabilities. For parents, remember that you are responsible for the actions of your children. One bottle rocket on your neighbor’s roof could result in a lifetime worth of significant ramifications.

Within Santa Barbara County, fireworks are only permitted in the cities of Santa Maria and Guadalupe. The remainder of the county, including the Los Padres National Forest, does not allow possession, sales or use of fireworks in any form. The county has a zero tolerance for fireworks and criminal action is guaranteed for those caught.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department recommends attending one of the local professional fireworks public displays. You should consider finding a location about a quarter mile away from the firing site. Keep an eye out for falling debris, potential spot fires and unexploded devices falling from the air.

Pets have sensitive ears. The explosions from overhead fireworks can be particularly uncomfortable for dogs. Leave you dogs at home if you are attending a public event. Consider bringing your animals inside if you live near a public fireworks show.

Thousands of people, generally children and teenagers, are injured while playing with fireworks. The risk of burns, eye damage, hearing damage, the loss of fingers and debilitating hand injuries, fires and even death is not uncommon. Why run the risk, consider attending a professional event. Are you ready?

As always, I welcome your comments. 

Michael S. Williams
President-Executive Director