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REMINDER: ALL FIREWORKS ARE
ILLEGAL IN WINDSOR Windsor, CA—Windsor Fire Protection
District officials want to remind Windsor-area residents that all
fireworks (including “safe and sane” fireworks and sparklers) are
illegal in Windsor—both within the Town limits and in the
surrounding unincorporated areas.
Officials warn that fire conditions are extreme this year. The
exceptionally dry vegetation resulting from last season’s
lower-than-normal rainfall, combined with high temperatures, low
humidity and wind, create a recipe for disaster. “Vegetation fires
can cover a lot or area in a short amount of time,” says Fire Chief
Ron Collier. “It can take 10 or 15 minutes to reach the outlying
areas of our district,” he continued, “which means a lot of damage
will be done before we get there.”
Fireworks, even the safe and sane ones, are dangerous. According to
the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), 95 percent of
fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms involved fireworks
that Federal regulations permit consumers to use. Sparklers (which
generate temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees) accounted for 20
percent of fireworks-related injuries in 2005 and accounted for
almost half of the injuries in children less than 5. Hands and eyes
are most commonly injured; often permanent injury results.
In addition to harming people, $21 million in property damage
resulted from fireworks in 2004. There were 1,500 structure fires
directly attributable to fireworks.
Chief Collier warns that, in addition to the potential danger to
life and limb, those using fireworks can be held responsible for all
costs associated with any fire that results, including the cost of
fighting the fire, which can be tens of thousands of dollars.
“We want everyone to have a fun and safe 4th of July holiday,”
comments Chief Collier. “The Town of Windsor is planning an
event-filled day for the 4th and will host its annual fireworks show
on Tuesday, July 3. We strongly encourage everyone to celebrate by
attending these events.”
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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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