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NEWS RELEASE
Date: June 8, 2010
FIRE DEPARTMENT REMINDER: ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN WINDSOR
Windsor, CA—Windsor Fire Protection District officials want to
remind Windsor-area residents that the use of any fireworks
(including “safe and sane” fireworks and sparklers) is illegal in
Windsor—both within the Town limits and in all of the unincorporated
areas of Sonoma County.
Fireworks, even the “safe and sane” ones, are dangerous. Every year
thousands of people—most often teens and children—are injured while
using fireworks. In 2007, 9,800 people were seen in emergency rooms
for fireworks-related injuries. The highest number—22 percent—were
the result of sparklers, more than those injured by firecrackers.
Ninety-two percent of the injuries resulted from “safe” fireworks.
In 2006, 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 other
types of fires, which resulted in 6 deaths, 70 injuries, and $34
million in property damage, were directly attributable to legal
fireworks.
Warmer summer weather usually arrives in the weeks leading up to the
4th of July, weather that quickly dries completely Windsor’s grassy
areas and those lots with high weeds. “Although we haven’t yet
experienced our normal high-temperature, low-humidity summer
weather, there are plenty of dry grasses and other fuels around,”
said Fire Chief Ron Collier. “It will take only a couple of very hot
days to completely dry things out. Then it just takes one spark.”
In Windsor, when a fire is the result of any type of fireworks, the
fireworks user will be held responsible for all of the costs of
fighting the fire, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. That
liability is in addition to being financially responsible for the
damage and/or injury done to others.
Windsor Fire Marshall Matt Gustafson puts it this way: “Yes, we
worry about the loss of property that results from fires, but what
we really hate to see is someone’s holiday ruined when they should
be having fun.”
A professional fireworks program has been scheduled for Saturday,
July 3, at Windsor High School. Fire officials urge everyone to
attend this event where they can enjoy fireworks safely.
Windsor Fire Protection District is a combination paid/volunteer
fire department that serves 35,000 in 30 square miles (5 urban; 25
rural) and responds to 1900 calls each year. For more information,
visit the department’s website at www.windsorfire.net and/or visit
on Facebook and/or Twitter.
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Contact: Battalion Chief Matt Gustafson
Office: 707/838-1170
FAX: 707/838-1173
E-mail:
mgustafston@windsorfpd.com
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