MARIPOSA — The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) would like to remind Eastern Madera and Mariposa County residents of the fire danger and use of illegal fireworks.
A public fireworks display will be available at Bass Lake on July 4th at 9 p.m.
All fireworks, including “Safe and Sane,” are illegal in Mariposa County as well as all areas east of the Madera Canal (see map below) in Madera County.
CAL FIRE Peace Officers will be out in full force. Anyone caught with fireworks will be cited and fireworks confiscated. Violation of fireworks laws are subject to a maximum $1,000 fine and up to one year in a county jail.
Image by Darren Danks.
However, if large quantities of dangerous fireworks are found, prosecutors could charge the violator with a felony, punishable by up to three years in the California State Prison and fines up to $50,000.
In addition to Peace Officers, CAL FIRE Volunteers in Prevention (VIP’s), amateur radio operators (HAMs), the Madera County Fire Department and the Mariposa County Fire Department, will be conducting fire patrol.
The extra staffing provides CAL FIRE with additional “eyes & ears” for heightened awareness for the public. Each patrol is made up of volunteers in radio equipped mobile units assigned to designated routes in the Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU).
Image by Vishwas Bangar.
They will report fires in their early stages, identify and report situations that may cause fires and will be highly visible to serve as a deterrent to arsonists.
We are heading into the summer months under drought conditions and critical levels. It’s important everyone do their part to prevent wildfires.
CAL FIRE wishes everyone a safe holiday weekend and remember one less spark means one less wildfire.
For additional information please visit fire.ca.gov or readyforwildfire.org.
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain
