County of Sonoma Reminds Residents of Fireworks Ban

 As Independence Day approaches, the County of Sonoma Fire Prevention division would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Sonoma County.  

“Our dry summer landscape creates a greater potential for fires caused by fireworks,” said Sonoma County Fire Marshal, Chief James Williams. “We encourage people to go see fireworks at events put on by professionals so you can have fun without putting others at risk.” 

Local calendars, as of 6/20/19, list the following public firework events in Sonoma County: 

• 7/3 Fireworks and Music Extravaganza in Sebastopol
• 7/3 Windsor Kaboom Independence Day
• 7/4 Cloverdale 4th of July Fireworks
• 7/4 Healdsburg’s 4th of July Fireworks Show
• 7/4 Petaluma 4th of July Celebration
• 7/4 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular at Green Music Center, Rohnert Park
• 7/4 Red, White, and Boom! Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
• 7/4 Rocket Out of this World, Sonoma Plaza
• 7/5 Monte Rio Independence Day Celebrations

Every year, people are seriously injured, property is damaged, and the risk of fires increases due to the illegal use of fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires. Additionally, in 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries. 

If you are in an area that allows fireworks, please follow CAL FIRE’s guidelines to help prevent wildfires caused from fireworks by taking the following actions: 

• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks.
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials.
• Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site.

For more information on the County of Sonoma’s Fire Prevention work, please visit https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/PRMD/Fire-Prevention/.