This year’s fire season promises to be one of the worst in history. We are asking all citizens to do their part to help prevent fires. With the Fourth of July approaching, the Ventura County Fire Department and the Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind and advise the citizens of Simi Valley that the possession and/or use of any fireworks is illegal in the city of Simi Valley, all unincorporated areas of the county, and every other city in the county, with the exception of the city of Fillmore. Anyone found in possession of fireworks may be cited under "Fire Protection District Ordinance 24, Uniform Fire Code 7802.3—Prohibited Storage, Use, and Handling of Fireworks."

In an effort to mitigate fire code violations on the Fourth of July, the Simi Valley Police Department, in conjunction with the Ventura County Fire Department, will be patrolling local neighborhoods for fireworks violations. Fireworks are potentially dangerous and have caused many burn injuries and fires. Violators can be held responsible for damages as well as having to pay a fine and/or be incarcerated.

The Simi Valley Police Department, with the assistance and cooperation of the Ventura County Fire Department, will aggressively enforce the laws pertaining to fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday period.

Please help to make this Fourth of July a safe holiday. If you have any questions regarding fireworks safety or regulations, please contact Sgt. Joe May, Simi Valley Police Department, at 583-6993 or Joe Luna, Ventura County Fire Department, at 389-9710.

Mark E. Layhew

Simi Valley

Chief of Police