Friday, Jul. 03, 2009

Fire codes will be enforced during holiday

Highway patrol will also be out in force

The city's fire department will be enforcing California Fire Codes during the upcoming holiday weekend. Some of those restrictions are as follows: it is illegal for minors, persons under 18 years old, to sell, purchase, or possess, "safe and sane fireworks," according to the fire codes. It is also illegal for minors to discharge, explode, fire or set off any fireworks, unless under the direct supervision of a person over 18.

Using fireworks are legal and permitted from the July 1 to July 4 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It is illegal to discharge fireworks except on private property; "no fireworks shall be discharged on public, semi-public, or private open areas such as parking lots, vacant properties, or in a public street or right-of-way, or in public parks," the code states. An exception inludes the legal use of fireworks on a public street only if the street is closed and such has been approved by the City Council for a block party; the location would also need to be approved by the fire department.

Anyone in violation of these codes, or improper or unsafe use of fireworks, will be subject to immediate seizure of fireworks and issuance of a citation.

Unlawful possession and/or discharge of fireworks could result in a $500 fine. Healthy and safety code violations in regards to "safe and sane" fireworks may result in a $200 fine and are subject to arrest.

CHP plans to maintain roadway safety

The California Highway Patrol issued a press release regarding safe Independence Day celebrations.

"...The CHP is doing its part to help keep the fireworks where they belong...in the sky. And with some advance planning, the CHP hopes this can be a safe celebration for everyone."

Fourth of July weekend is a Maximum Enforcement Period, MEP, for the CHP. All available officers will patrol the roadways during the MEP, which begins at 6 p.m. on July 3 and extends until midnight on July 5.

According to the press release, last year over the three-day holiday weekend, 41 people died on California roadways; nearly half of those killed in CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and one motorcyclist who died was without a helmet.

In addition to speeders and those who fail to "buckle up," the report stated, officers will be looking for drivers under the influence. Last year, CHP officers arrested 1,684 people statewide for DUI.

Los Baños CHP Commander Bill Nation said in the report, "We want people to think safely whenever they get behind the wheel this summer. Common sene and courtesy will go a long way..."