Local fire officials urge public to celebrate July 4th safely

KERMAN, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) — With the Fourth of July approaching fire officials share how to celebrate safely and legally.

Battalion Chief Robert Gonzalez with the North Central Fire District wants people to enjoy their holiday but says safety is key.

“If you are going to use fireworks, please use the safe and sane fireworks. It does have a seal on them. And also have a bucket of water, a garden hose available so they can be disposed of properly so we have no incidents after the show,” Gonzalez said.

Any firework that leaves the ground is illegal in Fresno.

Gonzalez says people caught with illegal fireworks face a $1,250 fine.

Dozens of firework stands have popped up in Fresno County, including The Well Athletics Ministry, selling legal fireworks to fundraise for their church.

For those who do want to see a firework show, Kerman native Captain Eric Fonsecca with the North Central Fire District recommends the firework show at Kerman High School.

The event on July 3 is the city’s second-largest annual event.

“They’re going to have lots of vendors, lots of good stuff there for the community and people outside the community to come in and see what Kerman has to offer,” Fonsecca said.

For those lighting safe and sane fireworks, Chief Gonzalez says to avoid dry vegetation areas and keep children a safe distance away.

Call 911 to report any illegal firework use.

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