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ENLARGE
Viewing public fireworks displays are the recommended way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.
July 4 is a day away, and Lake Tahoe Basin law enforcement authorities are on edge.
For good reason.
The national holiday accounts for more fires nationwide than any other day of the year. To head off potential problems, basin law-enforcement agencies have issued strong warnings against the use of fireworks Friday.
For good reason.
The national holiday accounts for more fires nationwide than any other day of the year. To head off potential problems, basin law-enforcement agencies have issued strong warnings against the use of fireworks Friday.
"Discharging ANY TYPE of fireworks, including 'safe and sane' fireworks, is against the law in the city of South Lake Tahoe," according to a statement from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. "This includes devices such as simple sparklers. There are NO types of legal fireworks in the city of South Lake Tahoe."
Misdemeanor fireworks violations in the city are punishable by at least a $500 fine and/or one year in county jail, but "larger-style" fireworks could be punishable as felonies, according to the statement.
"California is already wrestling with more than 1,000 fires statewide," the statement indicated. "With our area facing such a dangerous wildland fire season, the police department has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and city fireworks laws to protect public health and safety."
Fireworks are illegal throughout the entire basin, and - while the ban isn't new - the risks fireworks pose are getting extra attention after last year's Angora fire and the currently high potential for wildfires in California and Nevada.
Misdemeanor fireworks violations in the city are punishable by at least a $500 fine and/or one year in county jail, but "larger-style" fireworks could be punishable as felonies, according to the statement.
"California is already wrestling with more than 1,000 fires statewide," the statement indicated. "With our area facing such a dangerous wildland fire season, the police department has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and city fireworks laws to protect public health and safety."
Fireworks are illegal throughout the entire basin, and - while the ban isn't new - the risks fireworks pose are getting extra attention after last year's Angora fire and the currently high potential for wildfires in California and Nevada.
"As evidenced by the tragic loss of homes and property from the Angora fire last year, our community is extremely vulnerable to wildland fire," according to a statement from Douglas County Sheriff's Office. "With the Fourth of July approaching, Sheriff Ron Pierini and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office wish to take a moment to remind and educate our residents and guests that the possession and or discharge of fireworks in Douglas County is unlawful and will not be tolerated."
Those found in violation of Douglas County fireworks ordinances face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in prison, according to the Douglas County statement.
Douglas County sheriffs have had at least one incident involving fireworks in the past two weeks.
At about 10 p.m. June 24, a deputy responded to Kahle Drive after a report of possible shots fired, according to a deputy's report. A 37-year-old resident of an apartment complex on the street set off several bottle rockets, the report indicated.
Those found in violation of Douglas County fireworks ordinances face up to a $1,000 fine and six months in prison, according to the Douglas County statement.
Douglas County sheriffs have had at least one incident involving fireworks in the past two weeks.
At about 10 p.m. June 24, a deputy responded to Kahle Drive after a report of possible shots fired, according to a deputy's report. A 37-year-old resident of an apartment complex on the street set off several bottle rockets, the report indicated.
The man was handcuffed but subsequently released after the reporting parties declined to file a complaint.
The deputy forwarded the case to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office for prosecution evaluation and admonished the man for the alleged behavior, according to the report.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show fireworks caused about 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires in the United States in 2005.
"Please, do not risk life or property by the personal use or display of fireworks," the Douglas County statement urged. "There are many community firework displays planned in our area in which you can take part without risk of criminal or civil penalties."
The deputy forwarded the case to the Douglas County District Attorney's Office for prosecution evaluation and admonished the man for the alleged behavior, according to the report.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show fireworks caused about 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires in the United States in 2005.
"Please, do not risk life or property by the personal use or display of fireworks," the Douglas County statement urged. "There are many community firework displays planned in our area in which you can take part without risk of criminal or civil penalties."
