Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
July 7, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Last week, we reminded you that fireworks are illegal in San Diego County and cautioned you about the dangers. Today we have some stories that make clear why shooting off your own fireworks is not a good idea. Fireworks caused fires locally and statewide including a major brush fire, as well as some serious injuries.
Diane McClarty with Heartland Fire says the agency responded to several fires linked to fireworks in East County. Those included two small spot fires along State Route 67 at Woodside on July 4, a rubbish fire caused by fireworks on Klauber Avenue in San Diego on July 5, and a possible fire caused by illegal fireworks on Halberns Street in Santee on July 4, which was quickly extinguished.
In Los Angeles, fireworks shot into a mattress set three warehouses on flames, causing an estimated $3 million in damage and injuring four firefighters, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has reported.
In Vacaville, California, fireworks are suspected of starting a 325-acre wildfire that forced 125 people to evacuate from their homes. Thankfully no homes were burned. Another one-acre fire in Santa Clarita may also be linked to fireworks, as officials received numerous reports of fireworks being shot off in the area at the time the fire started.
In San Francisco, five people were treated at hospitals from fireworks-related injuries including a child airlifted with severe burns.
In Hollister, a man was arrested after a fireworks mortar that he lit off fell on its side, shooting projectiles at people celebrating at a 4th of July block party Saturday night.
And finally in Maine, 22-year-old Devon Staples, after drinking with friends, tried to shoot a firework off of his head. He died instantly when the mortar tube exploded, blowing off the top of his skull.
So for next year, leave the fireworks shows to the professionals, for a safe celebration.
Recent comments