Fireworks for Sale in Dublin (please be careful!)

Dublin is the only city in Diabloland that sells fireworks

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the city of Dublin exercises its freedom as the only East Bay city to allow the sale and use of fireworks.

Drive down Dublin and Amador Valley boulevards, and you’ll see a dozen colorful booths selling sparklers and spinners deemed “safe and sane” by the California fire marshal. Staffed by volunteers from local nonprofit groups, the booths offer everything from single “fountains” to 100-piece variety packs.

Understandably, the debate over personal fireworks use is about as hot as the pyrotechnics themselves. This year, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger encouraged Californians to not use them, citing the strain on firefighting resources due to the ongoing wildfires.  Fireworks also carry significant risk of personal injury, and accidents can be tragic. 

All other East Bay cities have banned the holiday tradition—“safe and sane” or otherwise—and Pleasanton and Livermore have zero-tolerance policies for residents trying to bring them in from neighboring Dublin.  In lieu of allowing personal fireworks, many local cities offer professional shows for the community.

But there is a certain nostalgic thrill in spelling your name with the trail of a sparkler and watching those color-changing “flowers” zip around.  Thousands of people will still celebrate with their own fireworks this year.  If you’re planning to do so, here’s some safety advice:
-    Purchase or use only legal fireworks.  Those approved by the state are marked with a white seal.  (Generally these are fireworks that do not explode or leave the ground.)
-    Use fireworks at a legal location.  In Dublin, this would be on your own property or at one of three designated parks on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Alamo Creek Park, Dublin Sports Grounds, and Emerald Glen Park.
-    Do not allow children to light or play with fireworks.
-    Read and heed all warnings and instructions, using fireworks as intended.  Don’t try to alter or combine them.
-    Be sure spectators are out of range—as well as houses, cars, dry leaves and brush, and flammable materials.
-    Never try to relight malfunctioning fireworks.  Wait 15 minutes, then dose with water.
-    Keep buckets of water or a hose nearby in case of fire.
 

Posted at 11:44 AM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink