Sales of safe and sane fireworks began Tuesday in select Bay Area cities where they are still legal for the Fourth of July holiday.
But firefighters are warning that even safe and sane fireworks can be dangerous. Fire officials advise people to think carefully about where and when they use them.
"Those fuels, they're definitely getting into their critical stages," Ben Nicholls with Cal Fire said. "We need everyone's help to avoid those future fires. Here locally, roughly 99% of our fires are caused by humans."
Starting Tuesday, fireworks stands opened up in Dublin, Pacifica, Tracy, San Bruno and Suisun City. While those cities sell safe and sane fireworks, they have restrictions on where and when they are allowed to be set off. Check with each individual city for the rules.
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Bryan Raymond and his daughter are preparing for their annual Fourth of July block party that lights up the neighborhood with safety in mind.
"We keep a bucket of water handy," Raymond said. "And when each firework is done, we douse it in the bucket."
Last week, a 120-acre brush fire in Pittsburg that threatened homes and forced hundreds to evacuate was caused by illegal fireworks, according to Contra Costa fire officials. All fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County.
Confire says even the safe and sane fireworks can spark wildfires. Last year, the county strengthened the penalties for using fireworks, including new rules that hold property owners liable for violations.
"Right now, we are in a period of time where the fuels are already ready to go," Nicholls said. "A combination of dry fuels and wind lend themselves to rapid fire growth and the possibility for devastating fires."
For example, in the city of Brentwood, possession of fireworks could result in a felony charge, jail time and fines up to $5,000. Brentwood police say they will be taking a zero-tolerance approach when dealing with those violations.
Several Bay Area cities are hosting their own Fourth of July fireworks shows.
