Illegal fireworks will not be tolerated

(Published Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 09:00AM)

This year, police and fire personnel are gearing up for a potentially busy Independence Day, owing to the fact that it takes place on a Friday, and we are expecting more people to stay home because of high fuel prices and economic pressures. This, coupled with an extremely dry environment resulting from near drought conditions, makes for severe fire danger and sets the stage for other potential problems.

"Safe and sane" fireworks are legal in this area. Exploding devices like M-80s, ladyfingers, firecrackers, and aerial devices like bottle rockets, rockets, roman candles, chrysanthemums and mortars are unlawful. Keep in mind that transporting illegal fireworks into California from other states or countries is both a state and federal offense. Mail-ordering these illegal devices is also strictly prohibited, and with the high tech equipment now used by parcel companies and the United States Post Office, the chance of detection is high. Furthermore, people using the mail or commercial carrier services to transport illegal fireworks will most certainly be looked upon for any terrorist connections. It will be a most unpleasant experience if the feds shake you down for this kind of illegal activity.

Some people choose to discharge firearms into the air and ground during times of celebration. This is obviously illegal, but more importantly, it is very dangerous and outright stupid. Stray bullets from these so-called "festive activities" kill innocent victims every year. And, so it seems, children are often the ones hit.

Art De Werk is the Chief of Public Safety in Ceres