Getting caught with illegal fireworks could make the 4th of July one expensive holiday.
The City of Turlock has a three-tier fine implementation for illegal fireworks. The starting fine is set at $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second, and $2,000 for the third.
The Turlock police and fire departments will both have additional staff keeping an eye on the sky.
All fireworks that have the Safe and Sane seal by the State Fire Marshal are legal to use in the City of Turlock.
Piccolo Pete's and/or Whistling Pete's are illegal in Turlock, as are any fireworks that have been modified or altered. This includes fireworks which fly into the air or explode. The definition of dangerous and illegal fireworks is defined in the Health and Safety Code’s section 12505, and includes fireworks that contain arsenates, chlorates, magnesium; firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles; sparklers more than 10 inches in length or one-fourth of one inch in diameter; torpedoes; and make-your-own fireworks kits, among others.
The National Fire Protection Agency stated fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries and $109M in direct property damage.
In 2022, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 people for fireworks related injuries; Over half of those injuries were to the extremities (29% hands and fingers, 19% legs, 5% arms) and 35% were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 28% of the estimated 2022 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.
Fireworks can pose a health risk to those with respiratory issues. Fireworks emit large quantities of particulate matter, including soot, ash and metals, which cause serious health impacts, especially to people with existing respiratory conditions, elderly people and small children. Fine-particulate matter can invade the bloodstream and has been linked to heart attacks and stroke.
In addition, high levels of particulate matter jeopardize the Valley's progress in meeting air-quality standards that protect public health.
The TFD recommends the following firework guidelines:
* Fireworks should always be used with extreme caution and should only be handled by adults.
* Before using any fireworks, read and follow all warnings and instructions printed on the label.
* Fireworks are only to be lit outdoors, in a clear area away from structures (houses, buildings) and flammable materials (gasoline cans, lighter fluid, etc.)
* Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for dousing fireworks that do not ignite.
* Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
* Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
* Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal containers.
* Store fireworks in a dry and cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
* Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
If you would like to report someone using prohibited fireworks, whether the address is known or unknown, please call our non-emergency number at (209)668-1200. Please only dial 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies.
