LAKEPORT >> With Fourth of July celebrations starting early and extending into next week — the actual holiday falling on Tuesday — safety officials in Lakeport are working to ensure a safe and well-regulated holiday, starting with the use of fireworks.
On Thursday, the Lakeport Police Department shared information with the public stating that the city is allowing the use and sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks “within the incorporated area of Lakeport.”
“We want to be clear that this does not include Lake County, the City of Clearlake, or anywhere outside the boundaries of the City of Lakeport,” Lakeport Lieutenant Jason Ferguson said. “We want people to understand that if you leave Lakeport, it’s at your own will and can be subject to fines.”
The Department is permitting the discharge of the Safe and Sane Fireworks from July 1 through July 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
This is allowed so long as those interested adhere to Section 5.30.180B, which states:
“It is unlawful for any person to ignite, discharge, project or otherwise fire or use any safe and sane firework, or permit the ignition, discharge or projection upon or over or onto another’s property without his/her permission or within 10 feet of any residence, dwelling or other structure used as a place of habitation by human beings.”
On Tuesday, July 4 only, however, the city will provide a designated area on Fourth Street to discharge the Safe and Sane Fireworks. The area will be barricaded with barrier tape and will be in the 50 block of Fourth Street.
“Not everybody will adhere to the rules, though,” Ferguson said. “And sometimes accidents happen. There could be criminal violations and fines to those who bring fireworks that are outside the scope of ‘safe and sane’ into the city.”
To curb this kind of activity, Ferguson added that the department and the city are making sure people receive notices such as Nixle alerts, public statements, and in the booths that sell fireworks.
“Vendors who sell Safe and Sane Fireworks have these regulations posted on their booths and in each of the fireworks packets sold,” he said.
Among trying to lower criminal activity, Lakeport Fire Department would also like to remind the public about the use of fireworks.
Fire Chief Doug Hutchison said, “Fires can start as a result of simply disposing fireworks trash into a trash bin. Do not leave trash out overnight, soak your remains in water, and always dispose in metal containers and not in plastic ones.”
He added that people should not pick up a firework if it did not project properly because it might still go off afterward. Leaving the firework alone for a long period of time is suggested.
Safety personnel said Safe and Sane Fireworks booths can be found in several areas of Lakeport including the Safeway parking lot and different areas on Main Street. The statement with full details on dates and regulations can be found on the Lakeport Police Department website and Facebook page, and on the City of Lakeport’s website.
