Playing it safe with fireworks

Fireworks stands are popping up all over town, and the kids are begging for a chance to light some up and celebrate July Fourth with some color and noise.

However, fire and law enforcement officials warn common sense needs to apply when using any incendiary device.

“Use bare ground or pavement - don’t set it off by flammables like dry grass,” said Orland police Chief Bob Pasero.

He also recommends having a hose and water supply close to douse  unwanted flames. “Even safe and sane fireworks will start a fire right off,” he said.

The safe fireworks are legal in the Orland city limits, Pasero said, but they can still be dangerous if used improperly.

 Pasero recommends putting all spent fireworks in a bucket of water when you are done. Otherwise, they might reignite. A five-gallon bucket of water should do the job.

Orland Fire Chief Jerry Kraemer said problems with fireworks come in waves, with some years having a lot of misuse and accidents and others not.

“Use them in a safe area,” he said, “not around dry grass or when the wind is blowing.” In past years, problems arose when there was a lot of wind.

 Of course, illegal fireworks cause problems anytime, Kraemer said, since there usually are some individuals who light them every year.

 Kraemer said “safe and sane” fireworks are legal to use throughout Glenn County, and they may be sold at booths through Monday.

“Be extremely careful,” Pasero said. “It is hot and dry and there’s been no rain in the last month. Everything is a tinderbox now.”

In Willows, Fire Safety Officer Skip Sykes said it is the same every year as the weather is hot and dry.

“We are nervous when the wind blows,” Sykes said. “Wind-blown fireworks can go everywhere.”

 Fortuneately, Willows has a good weed abatement program, he said, which cuts down on fire hazards.

However, he said only registered fireworks bought from licensed vendors are allowed. Flying fireworks like bottle rockets are not legal nor are fireworks made with instructions from the Internet.

 “We like to see an adult present at all times,” Sykes added, and for people to use fireworks on bare ground, green grass or asphalt and concrete.

Fireworks should never be used indoors and must be kept away from combustible materials, he said. Also dispose of them one at a time in a bucket of water with a gloved hand and use a safe lighter to light them rather than matches of a piece of paper.

Fireworks stands in Willows

• Willows Hydro Jets, Sani Food parking lot, 517 S. Tehama St.
• Willows High Safe Grad Night, Wal-mart parking lot, 470 N. Airport Road.
• First Assembly of God Church, Denny’s parking lot, Humboldt Avenue.
• Willows Youth Football, corner of Willow and Tehama streets.