Only a Dozen Cities to Allow Fireworks
All but a handful of Bay Area cities are banning "safe and sane" fireworks this Fourth of July
By MARIE C. BACA
Updated 5:00 PM PST, Tue, Jun 30, 2009
Fireworks may be a Fourth of July tradition, but only a handful of Bay Area cities are permiting them this year in response to public safety concerns.
The cities that allow the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks are Dublin, Newark, Union City, Pacifica, San Bruno, Rio Vista, Cloverdale, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and St. Helena.
"Safe and sane" fireworks are certified by the State Fire Marshall to be devices that do not fly or explode. Spinners, smoke items, cone fountains, and hand-held items fall under this category. Roman candles, bottle rockets, and other fireworks that travel through the air or explode are banned by the State of California.
The regulations do not cover professional firework displays, which require several permits and licenses.
While "safe and sane" fireworks are legal fireworks, using them in areas where they are not permitted is illegal. Cities such as San Mateo and South San Francisco have banned all fireworks, noting that even legal devices can still be dangerous.
First Published: Jun 30, 2009 2:32 PM PST
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