No Fireworks Allowed Until July Fourth

Last year, illegal fireworks caused a fire at a Rohnert Park apartment complex that destroyed 12 units and caused a grass fire in Petaluma.

That’s why the Petaluma Fire Department is reminding residents that even though “safe and sane” fireworks went on sale Sunday, using them is only allowed on July Fourth.

“It is extremely important to know the difference between legal and illegal fireworks,” said Petaluma Fire Marshall Cary Fergus. “An illegal firework is anything that flies through the air, moves across the ground, or explodes.  Items such as M-80/100s, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, aerial mortars, and firecrackers are not legal state-approved fireworks; they are illegal, federally banned explosives that can cause serious injury or death.”

In an effort to prevent injuries and property damage, Petaluma fire and police will issue citations of up to $1,000 to anyone using illegal fireworks.

Minors using or in possession of any type of fireworks without the direct supervision of an adult are also prohibited.

Legal fireworks are allowed at the following parks:

• McNear Park
• Prince Park
• Lucchesi Park (restricted to the northwest parking lot and grass area). 
No fireworks allowed on or near the soccer field.
• Wiseman Park (restricted to the ball fields)
• City Hall (restricted to the westside lawn and parking lot).

Fireworks are not allowed in private parking lots or on school grounds. 

The city is also holding its annual fireworks display at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive. Gates open at 6 p.m. for games, music, and food booths and fireworks begin at about 9:15 p.m.

Bring low lawn chairs, blankets, warm clothes and flashlights. No BBQ’s, pets, alcohol, fireworks of any type, weapons or contraband is permitted on fairground property. The city is also asking for a small donation from the public to help offset the cost of fireworks.

Happy Independence Day!