Politics & Government
Up To $500 Fireworks Penalties In Contra Costa County
Serious fires caused by fireworks have already been reported this year leaving fire officials exhausted and supervisors fed up.
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA —The Board of Supervisors amended Contra Costa County's fireworks law on Tuesday. Violating the ordinance may result in a fine of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second violation within one year, and a fine of $500 for each additional violation of the ordinance within one year.
“The use of illegal fireworks caused a recent fire in our county that destroyed two apartment buildings and displaced 30 residents,” said Fire Chief Lewis T. Broschard III, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
“Playing with illegal fireworks is dangerous and poses the very real possibility of causing wildland fires that could easily destroy homes and threaten lives in this time of critically high fire risk. We urge everyone to follow the regulations and stay safe.”
Find out what's happening in Lamorindafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Passed unanimously, the new ordinance strengthens regulations on the possession, manufacture, sale, use, and discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.
It covers both "dangerous" fireworks and those labeled "safe and sane."
Find out what's happening in Lamorindafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Property owners and boat owners are responsible for ensuring that the use of illegal fireworks does not happen on their property. Owners may be liable for violations if illegal fireworks are used on their property or vessel.
Homeowners who rent out their properties on AirBNB and other sites should be aware of the law.
“Illegal fireworks pose a danger to our communities and a drain on our system,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Diane Burgis. “We simply don’t have the resources to address this continued problem. I would encourage the cities to follow suit and send the message that illegal fireworks will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County.”
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, the National Weather Service, and the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District all updated supervisors about wildfire planning and coordination taking place, and the seasonal risks that residents need to know about during Tuesday's meeting.
Read more about the fireworks law changes.
Read all Contra Costa County ordinances in their entirety.
Read about how to protect your home from wildfires.
Related stories:
>>Arrest Made In Fire That Destroyed 8 Antioch Apartments: Con Fire
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.