The 4th of July is a time for families and friends to get together and celebrate our nation’s independence. Most people have fireworks, barbequing, picnicking or just hanging out with friend and family in their plans. Unfortunately, with any of these events there are risks and dangers that can spoil the celebrations. Here’s what you need to know if you’re celebrating in Fresno in 2019.
Are Fireworks Legal in California?
In California, fireworks are legal, but only those with the approved “Safe and Sane” label. Basically, any firework that explodes or flies is illegal. There are two reasons for this law, first because of the obvious injury risks things that take off and fly around on their own and then explode. The other is because of the risk of a wildfire.
Even if you are letting them off in a parking lot with a water hose nearby, a bottle rocket can travel a few hundred feet and explode sending hot sparks and embers just about anywhere.
In California, if it doesn’t have this label in California, it is an illegal firework.
Each year, police and other officials see many types of fireworks that do not pass the requirements for a lawful purchase. Some of the most popular types of illegal fireworks are:
- Sky rockets
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial shells
- Firecrackers
- Cherry Bombs
- M-80s
- Exploding Whistling Pete’s
City of Fresno Fireworks Laws
In 2010, the Fresno City Council passed an ordinance that allowed for the use of fireworks all year around from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. except June 28th to July 6th when it is allowed to midnight. In Fresno, it is illegal to sell any firework that doesn’t have the Safe and Sane logo, and only certain licensed vendors can sell fireworks between noon, June 28th to noon July 6th.
California has some of the toughest fireworks laws on the books, and if caught, a violator could face up to a year in jail and a $50,000 fine. For Fresno, there is a fine for vendors who sell without a license or outside the allowed times. The fine could be as much as $2,504.00, and the person could face additional criminal charges.
Fourth of July Injuries
Unfortunately, regardless of how safe a firework is made or is used, accidents will happen. Across the nation, around 11,000 firework-related accidents occur and three to four of these become fatal. Not all of these are from illegal fireworks as even a Safe and Sane firework can cause injuries.
Who is Responsible?
When determining liability, the person/company/entity that is negligent will be held responsible. If the user of the firework is the one that is injured and is also negligent, then that will likely mean he or she will have to cover their own losses. But don’t just assume that if you are injured using a firework, you are at fault.
When an injury happens, we want to know who is going to be held responsible, especially if the injuries are significant. Of course, that answer depends on the circumstances, but here are some of the most common scenarios.
Injuries at an organized firework show: This is rare, but it does happen. The organizers of the show by law have to be insured, and they will be responsible for any injuries.
Injuries using Safe and Sane fireworks: If you are using a firework and followed all the instructions and are still injured, then you will likely have a claim against the firework manufacturer.
Injuries watching Safe and Sane fireworks: If you are not using the firework and are nonetheless injured, you could have a claim against the firework company if there was a defect or some other accident involving the firework itself.
If the accident is caused by the person lighting/using the firework, then you might have a claim against that person.
Injuries using/watching illegal fireworks: This can be a bit tricky. If you are involved in the illegal fireworks, then it may be that you have to foot the bill yourself, but that’s not always the case. It’s is possible to claim a defect in an illegal firework and sue the manufacturer—if you can find them.
If you are just watching illegal fireworks, let’s say your neighbor is setting them off—and you are injured, you possible have a claim against the neighbor and his/her homeowners’ insurance.
If you are injured by a firecracker contact a Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer.
Firework Shows/Events Around Fresno
Many people don’t want to risk setting off their own fireworks, and they go to an organized firework show. In Fresno, there are plenty of events before and after the 4th to get your fireworks fix.
Fresno Grizzlies
Fireworks Extravaganza after game vs. Tacoma Rainiers. Game starts at 6:35 p.m., fireworks soon after last pitch. All-you-can-eat BBQ, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 559-320-4487, milb.com/fresno/tickets/promotions, $13-$55.
Bass Lake
Bass Lake Fireworks and Boat Parade, boat parade around 7 p.m., fireworks around 9 p.m., Miller’s Landing Resort, 37976 Road 222, basslakechamber.com, event is free.
Clovis
Freedom Fest hosted by Clovis Kiwanis Club, gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks show at 9 p.m., Lamonica Stadium at Clovis High, 1055 Fowler Avenue, visitfresnocounty.org, $5, free to children 5 and under.
Exeter
Fourth of July Fireworks Show, gates open at 6 p.m., show begins around 9 p.m., Lions Stadium/Dobson Field, Rocky Hill Drive east of Highway 65, exeterchamber.com free admission.
Fowler
Fowler’s Fabulous 4th of July, gates open at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at dusk, food vendors, The Monsanto Band will provide live music. It’s at the Fowler High football field, 701 E Main Street, 559-834-5486, free admission.
Hanford
Kings County Big Bad Boom July 4th Celebration. Starts at 4 p.m. at Kings County Fairgrounds, 801 S. 10th St., Hanford, $5 parking fee and free admission
Sanger
Fourth of July Spectacular, gates open at 6:30 p.m., Sanger High practice field, 1045 N. Bethel Ave., 559-875-4575, sanger.org, tickets $3 or a four-pack including parking pass for $15.
Island Waterpark
Fireworks Extravaganza, park opens at 11 a.m., fireworks begin as soon as it gets dark, 6099 W. Barstow Ave., 559-277-6800, islandwater park.com/4th_of_July/, $25.99-$34.99.
