For the Saturday 4th of July there will be the annual Fireworks Spectacular at Harding Park starting at 9 p.m., a flashing, booming, sizzling air show of pyrotechnics - sponsored by the Santa Paula Rotary, City and generous supporters - that is visible throughout the city.
With potential for injury as well as fire high, only professionals should handle fireworks in designated areas said Santa Paula Police Commander Ish Cordero.
And that does not include Santa Paula: “Fireworks are against the law here, period,” said Cordero. “Those caught using them are subject to arrest...and we’ll be enforcing that as well.”
Depending on the incident, Santa Paula fines can be up to $1,000 and potentially include jail time for those who illegally possess and/or set off fireworks.
Fire Chief Rick Araiza said statistics show that children ages 10 to 14 have three times the risk of fireworks injury than the general population and can suffer serious burns from sparklers, fountains and novelties, which have temperatures of 1200°F or higher.
“Safe and Sane” fireworks are those approved by the State Fire Marshal and do not include projectiles of any type but they can still be dangerous if not handled properly. And, again, they are banned in all Ventura County cities including Santa Paula.
Although sanctioned fireworks can start fires Araiza said many people buy illegal imported fireworks of all sorts.
With the deepening drought, record low to-date brush moisture rates and record temperatures, the concern for fire is stronger than ever, especially in wake of the River Fire that broke out Monday near Acacia Road and Corporation Road in the bed of the Santa Clara River. The fire burned about 164 acres before it was contained. Although the cause of the firex — which broke out near a homeless encampment — was determined to be human, investigators are still trying to determine if it was accidental or arson.
Said Araiza, “It takes just one spark,” to set off what could become a raging wildfire.
