Fireworks Safety and YOU
July 4th is the first major fireworks event of the year and a time when fireworks have been on sale around San Andreas for several weeks now. But, what does that mean for safety? And what are the laws around fireworks in Los Santos County? In this short press release, we'll be covering the dos, don'ts, and a bit of the law regarding the Fireworks welcome to a special edition of safety and YOU.
Fireworks are illegal in some parts of San Andreas because each year serious injuries and millions of dollars in property damage occur from wildfires sparked by fireworks. Large grass crops and dry vegetation increase the threat of devastating fires throughout all of San Andreas. In Los Santos County, fireworks are covered under the Fireworks Usage and Sale Enforcement Act brought in June 2023 which covers "Safe and Sane" fireworks - when in doubt if your fireworks are legal? Look for the State Fire Marshals seal on all approved fireworks within San Andreas.
Remember fireworks spark fires - Check your local laws and ordinances to find out if fireworks are legal where you live, or if certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted. From selection to ignition, practicing firework safety is crucial to ensuring you don't cause injury or don't spark an accidental wildfire;
Get to know Firework laws (FUSE Act)
As per the FUSE Act, San Andreas has a zero-tolerance policy for the sale and subsequent usage of illegal fireworks, per the act - illegal fireworks include;
- Sky Rockets
- Bottle Rockets
- Roman Candles
- Aerial Shells
- Firecrackers
- Mortars
- M-80s, cherry bombs, or any explosive devices.
"Safe and Sane" Fireworks include;
- Sparklers
- Cone fountains
- Wheels
- Ground spinners
- Smoke devices
- Snakes or glow worms
- Novelty items such as party poppers and snaps.
To ensure the safety and well-being of others when utilizing and enjoying fireworks, you should think about ways you can negate the risk of injury or fire such as;
- Ensuring you only use State Fire Marshal-approved fireworks that bear the Safe and Sane seal.
- Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks.
- Always ensure to read directions carefully.
- Always have an adult present.
- Never use fireworks indoors, always use them outdoors.
- When lighting fireworks, ensure to do so in a controlled manner once at a time.
- Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby at the ready.
- During drought it is recommended that you use a bucket of gray/reused water to submerge your firework after it is used to fully extinguish it.
Injury Prevention
When it comes to any activity, there is always a risk of injury and even with fireworks, there are ways to negate the risk to life or risk of injury by thinking of how you can carry out the activity safely, such as following the safety tips above. But, you can also;
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Back up several feet immediately after lighting a firework.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never experiment with fireworks.
- Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothing while lighting fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in your pockets
- Fireworks are not toys
If you'd like more information regarding the Fireworks Usage and Sales Enforcement Act, visit our website or review the state legislature on the government portal and remember this 4th of July and Independence Day weekend to enjoy fireworks responsibly and remember fireworks spark fires. SANFIRE wishes you a happy holiday.
