ANAHEIM FIRE RESCUE REPORT

From the Chief

Each year, the Anaheim Fire Department responds to injuries and fires due to the illegal use of fireworks. Children are especially susceptible to fireworks injury. Nearly half of all fireworks-related injuries occur among children under the age of 15. Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars, and disfigurement that can last a lifetime. Even fireworks thought to be safe, like sparklers, can burn users and bystanders because they reach temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Eye damage accounts for 20 percent of all fireworks injuries and some of these injuries result in permanent blindness.

All fireworks, including "Safe and Sane," are prohibited with in the city limits and in most cities throughout Orange County. Some fireworks are not only illegal, but pose a serious, immediate threat to personal safety. These especially dangerous fireworks, which are banned statewide, include firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s and others.

Any person who uses, possesses, stores or offers for sale any firework is considered to be in violation of the law. Furthermore, a person who causes injury or damages with fireworks will be held liable. Parents should note that they could be held liable for damage caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Anaheim Fire Department encourages our community to celebrate our nation's independence by attending one of the many spectacular public fireworks displays operated by trained professionals. 

For recorded information in English or Spanish on public fireworks displays occurring throughout Orange County contact the public fireworks display line at (714) 573-6225.

Information obtained from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Fire Protection Association.

You may email me at askthechief@anaheim.net, or write to me at "Ask the Chief”

Anaheim Fire Department Community Relations Section

201 S. Anaheim Blvd., MS#301, Anaheim, CA 92805.