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Corazon Riley/Daily Journal
There are 16 booths in San Bruno that sell safe and sane fireworks. Every member of the San Bruno Police Department will be on patrol July 4 in addition to 10 officers from Daly City. |
Typically, fireworks in San Mateo County are a taboo but during the Fourth of July holiday, San Bruno allows its residents to put on their own show.
Safe and sane fireworks, those that do not explode or fly and have a seal from the state fire department, are permissible in San Bruno for a period of time around the Fourth of July. A 2005 decision by San Bruno voters allowed for the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks to be regulated, not banned.
Sixteen booths with city-issued permits along El Camino Real and in the Tanforan and Bay Hill shopping centers started selling fireworks June 27. Community organizations such as the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, Capuchino High School sports, Camp Saint Andrews and youth baseball leagues are selling the fireworks as a fundraiser.
Safe and sane fireworks are allowed on private property with the permission of the owner, said Fire Chief Daniel Voreyer. Use near schools or parks is prohibited and the fire department encourages users to keep the streets clear and then clean up after use.
Every member of the San Bruno Police Department will be on patrol in addition to 10 officers from Daly City as part of an increased enforcement effort. The officers will practice a “zero tolerance” policy, making arrests for illegal fireworks with no warning, said police Lt. Mark Catalano.
The consequences for illegal fireworks range from a municipal code violation to a felony. Depending on the type and amount, the person in possession may face a small fine or jail time.
Last year, the department responded to 157 firework related calls and made 36 arrests. In 2005, 249 calls were made and 69 were arrested.
“We hope for the number of calls to continue to drop as a result of our increased education and enforcement. Back in 2005, the department started using media outlets to educate the public about firework safety and it has paid off,” said Catalano. “We are hoping that people understand the difference between safe and sane fireworks and illegal fireworks.”
The city’s goal is to keep the holiday fun and safe. Mayor Larry Franzella is confident about the city’s efforts.
“We encourage everyone to have a safe Fourth,” said Franzella. “We ran the same program as last year and we had no major problems. Hopefully we can do that again this year.”
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