Announcement from the Riverside Fire Department:

The City of Riverside welcomes this upcoming July 4th by encouraging safe celebrations and reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Riverside.

July 4th is a day for celebration, but not at the expense of safety.  Residents are invited to attend Riverside’s free 4th of July Spectacular Aerial Fireworks Show, either at La Sierra Park or Mt. Rubidoux, which can be seen from all over the city.  The shows start at 9 pm.

The Riverside City Fire Department is increasing our outreach to make certain Riverside residents understand not only that fireworks are illegal, but why they are illegal”, says Fire Chief Steve Earley.  Fireworks cause hundreds of severe injuries in the United States and ignite thousands of fires in California every year.

When most residents think of fireworks, they think of large bottle rockets, roman candles, and firecrackers.  However, the ban also includes the popular sparkler, usually reserved for younger children.  “Sparklers can reach 1200 degrees Fahrenheit”, says Public Information Officer and Division Chief, Bob Bock.  In the United States in 2010, half (52%) of the fireworks injuries were burns; sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 43% of the emergency room fireworks injuries.

For residents who’d like to observe the tradition, snappers and champagne party poppers are not considered fireworks and are deemed legal for use in Riverside.

Filed under News A2, Entertainment

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

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