Fourth of July fireworks will increase pollution in Fresno, health agency warns
A regional public health agency is discouraging Valley residents from letting the sparks fly this Fourth of July holiday.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a public warning on Tuesday calling on residents to limit their use of personal fireworks throughout the holiday week.
Fireworks increase air pollution and release “dangerous levels” of particles that include soot, ash and heavy metals, the district wrote.
The district added that fireworks create noise pollution and safety concerns, which can cause injuries and fires.
“We are asking Valley residents to be mindful and considerate of their neighbors and the many sensitive individuals whose health and safety may be impacted by the emissions that come from lighting personal fireworks,” Jaime Holt, the district’s chief communications officer, said in a statement.
Fresno-area residents can attend various public fireworks shows on and around Independence Day. In addition, the district funded several drone light shows through its Clean Alternatives to Fireworks Pilot Incentive Program.
Are personal fireworks allowed in Fresno?
The Fresno City Council passed an ordinance in 2010 allowing limited sale and use of fireworks labeled “safe and sane.” This definition excludes objects like firecrackers and skyrockets.
The ordinance allows people to set off those fireworks between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. From June 28 to July 6, the ordinance extends the cutoff time for firework use to midnight.
Fireworks vendors must obtain a permit from the fire department, and they may only sell those products between the afternoon of June 28 and morning of July 6. Only local nonprofit organizations may obtain these permits.
Anyone who illegally sells or uses fireworks can face fines of up to $5,000. According to statements from the police and fire department, residents can report illegal fireworks by calling 311 — not 911 — or using the FresGO app.
