On the eve of the big Fourth of July celebration, the Burbank Fire Department is sending out a warning about fireworks. The bottom line, don’t use them in the Media City. There are plenty of thrills to be had from watching one of the spectacular fireworks shows in the sky on the night of the 4th.
Here’s a message from Captain Peter J. Hendrickson, Burbank Fire Prevention Bureau:
With the 4th of July holiday fast approaching; the Burbank Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those branded “Safe and Sane,” are illegal in Burbank. Even sparklers, which most people consider safe, can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, burn people seriously and cause fires. Adults wouldn’t ordinarily allow children to get near anything that hot, but for some reason they think it’s acceptable to put sparklers in the hands of children on the Fourth of July. With fire season upon us, it is vital that our residents understand that fireworks can cause brush fires, house fires, millions of dollars in damages, injuries and even death.
The Burbank Fire and Police Departments will be actively enforcing laws regarding the possession of all types of fireworks, including sparklers. Anyone cited or arrested for fireworks violations may be faced with a fine, sentenced to jail, or both. The fines and penalties may increase depending on the classification of the fireworks. Certain products like m-80′s and m-100′s are considered explosives and are a felony to possess with penalties as high as 16 months in state prison. Parents are also liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
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