Summer has arrived and Fourth of July celebrations are just around the corner. I want to remind everyone that the use, possession, manufacture, and sale of fireworks is illegal in the both the City of Oakley and the County of Contra Costa.
Every year across the country many people suffer serious injuries requiring medical treatment due to fireworks related mishaps. In some instances, the injuries are fatal.
Don’t risk your safety or the safety of your family believing that “It can’t happen to you.” As many of you may remember, in March of this year a local child was seriously injured by an unlawful firework that exploded in his hand. The danger is very real.
Additionally, the dry conditions coupled with the drought make unlawful fireworks activity an extreme fire hazard. Our local firefighters are stretched thin enough without the added burden of an unnecessary fire resulting from irresponsible behavior, and our police officers are busy enough with their public safety responsibilities without fielding calls of unlawful fireworks complaints.
Be assured, Oakley Police will conduct zero tolerance enforcement. All fireworks being used illegally will be seized and the persons lighting them will face fines upwards of $500 and jail time.
Community members can assist by calling the non-emergency number at 925-625-8060 to report illegal firework activity and agreeing to “witness” to the illegal use (photos and/or video is especially helpful), so that such action can be prosecuted.
To enjoy safe fireworks conducted by trained professionals, bring out the family for the City of Oakley’s 16thAnnual Cityhood Celebration on Saturday, July 4th (corner of O’Hara Park Ave & Neroly Rd). This year’s event commemorates both the anniversary of Oakley’s incorporation as a City in 1999 and our nation’s independence. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with fireworks beginning at
Thank you for doing your part to promote a safe holiday.
Police Chief Dan Gomez
Oakley City Ordinance:
Article 1 FIREWORKS
4.1.102 Prohibited.
No person shall possess, manufacture, sell, use or discharge, or offer to do so, any fireworks (including “dangerous,” “safe and sane,” and other fireworks) as defined in or pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 12502 through 12534, other than emergency signaling devices, as defined therein, properly used by railroads, peace officers, firefighters, and motorists.
4.1.104 Exceptions.
This section does not forbid or control acts or matters expressly allowed, permitted, or licensed under State law; nor does it allow acts or matters more strictly forbidden or controlled by State law or by local fire regulations.
