Boom! Fireworks Now on Sale

Fireworks sales will begin in two of three Alameda County cities today.

Newark and Dublin will begin selling “Safe and Sane” fireworks beginning at noon on Thursday. Union City will follow with firework sales starting at noon on Sunday. The three towns are the only cities in the county that sell fireworks.

A total of 10 booths will be open in Newark, and there will be 22 booths selling fireworks in Union City. Check back Friday for a map of where the booths are located and which non-profit organizations are running each booth.

However, local agencies are reminding the public at large that police departments throughout the region have a “ZERO tolerance policy on all illegal fireworks.”

“It is unlawful to possess, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or wholesale, use, discharge, or explode any fireworks except “safe and sane fireworks” within the City of Newark,” according to a press release issued by Newark police.

The usage of safe and sane fireworks is only legal for a limited time. According to the press release, fireworks can only be used between June 30 and July 4.

The following is more information about illegal fireworks and fireworks safety as stated in the Newark police press release:

Fireworks that explode, shoot through the air, move along the ground, including skyrockets, bottle rockets, firecrackers of all types, Roman candles, etc., have always been illegal in California. Penalties for those caught storing, selling, or using these types of fireworks can include a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. 

"Safe and Sane" fireworks are still dangerous. Nationwide statistics show that these types of fireworks were responsible for more injuries than any other type. This is believed to be because the title "Safe and Sane" gives many people the idea that they cannot hurt them. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Those who purchase fireworks should keep the following precautions in mind: 

• Always read and follow the safety directions 
• Never take fireworks apart to build your own fireworks 
• Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision 
• Only light one device at a time, and remain a safe distance away after lighting the device 
• Never try to re-light or handle "dud" fireworks
• Always follow the safety directions 
• Fireworks should always be used in safe, open areas away from buildings, combustibles, dry vegetation, and especially people and animals. 
• A connected garden hose should be ready nearby and a pail of water kept handy for disposal of spent fireworks and "duds", faulty, unexploded fireworks. 
• Pet owners should confine their pets inside on July 4, as many animals become extremely agitated by the sights and sounds of fireworks. Some of these pets will even run into the streets and away from home in an attempt to flee fireworks activity that is distressing to them. 
• Please do not use city parks or other private property. 

The Newark Police Department wishes everyone a safe and festive Fourth of July!

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