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.
Mariposa – All fireworks, including “Safe and Sane”, are illegal in Mariposa County as well as all areas east of the Madera Canal in Madera County. A public display will be available at Bass Lake on July 4th at 9 PM.
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. 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) will be patrolling. The extra staffing provides CAL FIRE with additional “eyes & ears” for heightened awareness for the public. Each patrol is made up of VIP’s in radio equipped mobile units assigned to designated routes in the Madera- Mariposa-Merced Unit (MMU). 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.
