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Organization: Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station
Date: July 3, 2008
Let's Make This Fourth of July a Safe One!
Letter from Captain Anthony La Berge, SCV Sheriff's Station
The City of Santa Clarita, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs station believe that 4th of July celebrations are an important reminder of how precious our freedoms are. That's why there are numerous local events, including professional fireworks displays that provide residents with safe and fun celebrations and entertainment for families and friends.
While we encourage families to celebrate and enjoy their Independence Day celebrations, we would like to remind everyone that with freedom comes the responsibility to follow the laws and be conscientious neighbors. Every year, hundreds of families ignore the fireworks law and purchase fireworks from outside the Santa Clarita area. They bring them home to light on the 4th of July and that is illegal!
Each year, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's station is required to respond to a large number of calls for service regarding the illegal fireworks. On an average day, the station responds to more than 150 calls for service. In addition to these normal calls for service, last year, Station deputies responded to 145 calls specifically related to fireworks in an eight hour period. Just the sheer number of calls affects the ability of the deputies to respond to routine calls, causing potential delayed responses to other incidents or emergencies.
This year, we are in a drought and with the potential for fire or personal injury very high, we are recommending that our residents avoid neighborhood fireworks. No neighborhood would want to be associated with the losses from a residential fire caused by fireworks, or from the devastating injuries which can be caused by fireworks.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs station, together with the Fire Department, the City of Santa Clarita, and the County of Los Angeles strongly urge residents not to participate or affiliate themselves with use illegal fireworks this 4th of July. Instead, make plans to attend a pre-arranged, professionally sanctioned event in the community.
It is important to note that all fireworks not labeled "Safe and Sane" are illegal to possess. Fireworks labeled "Safe and Sane" may be legal to possess, but are only for use in areas which have laws permitting their use. They are not permitted in the Santa Clarita Valley. The closest communities which allow these "Safe and Sane" fireworks are Palmdale and Fillmore. Fireworks which explode, or rise in the air, or move around the ground, or any firework not marked "Safe and Sane" by the State Fire Marshal are illegal to possess anywhere in California. The penalties for possession or use can range from a fine of up to $1000, to confinement in a County jail for up to one year. Certain products like M-80's and M-100's are considered explosives and are a felony to possess. The penalties can be as high as 16 months in state prison.
Anyone who has already purchased fireworks this year should be advised that they are in possession of illegal fireworks. Safe and sane fireworks can only be sold in areas in which they are legal to use, and sales cannot begin until noon on Saturday, June 28, 2008.
Prior to July 4, if you would like to anonymously report the location of any fireworks in your neighborhood, please use the anonymous Crime Tip Reporting feature right here on SCVSheriff.com or contact the Station's Crime Tip line at 284-2-TIP. The Sheriffs department will make every attempt to confiscate illegal fireworks prior to the holiday. If you would like to surrender your illegal fireworks, please contact Sergeant Gregg Lewison at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station at 799-5158 to make arrangements. A video containing additional Independence Day safety related information can be viewed at the following link: 4th of July Safety Tips.
On behalf of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs Station staff, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Santa Clarita, we wish you a safe and joyful 4th of July!
Best regards,
Captain Anthony La Berge
Chief of Police
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
