Authorities warn: All fireworks are illegal in Moorpark

Although "safe and sane" fireworks can be used and purchased legally in nearby Fillmore, local authorities and fire officials warn Moorpark residents not to use pyrotechnics here to celebrate the July 4 weekend.

The fire danger is too high and lawbreakers will be fined, they said.

"This is not a good time to be lighting anything on fire outdoors," said Hugh Riley, assistant city manager for Moorpark.

"Fireworks can easily ignite grass and light brush and they can start a structure fire almost as easily," Capt. Ron Oatman of the Ventura County Fire Department said in a press release.

Anyone found using or possessing fireworks could be fined up to $1,000 or receive a jail term of up to a year.

"This is a very serious matter to us and people need to know that anyone who starts a fire with fireworks—even accidentally—can be held liable for fire suppression costs and property damage costs," Oatman said.

More powerful fireworks can also cause grave injuries, he said. But while Moorpark and other cities throughout the county forbid the sale and use of any pyrotechnics, Fillmore alone has been allowing the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks for about three decades without problems and for worthy causes, said Robert Berger, a Fillmore resident who works for the Moorpark Police Department.

"Safe and sane" devices remain near the ground; they make noise, spin or sparkle. Any and all airborne fireworks are illegal in Fillmore as they are elsewhere.

Fillmore's annual fireworks sales make it possible for nonprofit groups in the small city to sustain their programs throughout the year.

"We sold fireworks for as long back as I can remember," Berger said.

Organizations that sell the legal fireworks include the Rotary Club, the Fillmore Search and Rescue organization, churches, and youth and school groups. Average profits for each group range from $20,000 to $30,000, according to Berger.

Fillmore officials, well-aware that fireworks aren't allowed in neighboring towns, suggest that visitors use the pyrotechnic devices while they're in town.

"People are invited to come to Fillmore to buy the fireworks and they're encouraged to use them at designated parks in the city, not elsewhere," Berger said.

He suggests visitors use common sense.

"Fireworks only start fires when started in an unsafe manner. Most of the time, our biggest problem is with illegal fireworks. But anything emitting fire can cause fires or hurt people," Berger said.

The Fillmore City Council voted to allow the sale of "safe and sane" fireworks in 1972, said Rigo Landeros, fire chief for the Fillmore Fire Department.

This year, Fillmore issued 23 permits to sell fireworks between June 29 and July 5.

Booth operators are required to attend a yearly meeting organized by the fire department to review rules and regulations pertaining to the sale of the devices, Landeros said. They must give out pamphlets to remind customers that firecrackers can only be discharged in Fillmore.

Landeros said he doesn't recall getting any reports of fires and injuries related to the use of legal fireworks in recent years, although incidents may have gone unreported.

"It's just like anything else— whether it's alcohol or firearms some people break the law—but I believe we are effective in educating the citizens of Fillmore and visitors of the rules," he said.

Authorities cannot completely control the transfer of fireworks to other cities where just owning fireworks is illegal, and many people still choose to discharge flammable firecrackers that are illegal in Fillmore as well.

The Moorpark Police Department receives an average of 50 fireworks-related calls per day on July 3 and 4, said Sgt. Ron Tusi of the Moorpark Police. Authorities anticipate receiving even more calls this year because the holiday is on a weekend, he said.

As the holiday approaches, the Ventura County Fire Department urges everyone to celebrate Independence Day safely by attending a professional fireworks display.

The annual Moorpark Third of July Fireworks Extravaganza starts at 4 p.m. Fri., July 3 at Arroyo Vista Community Park. In addition to pyrotechnics, the event includes entertainment, food vendors and games for the entire family.

Nearby displays, scheduled for July 4, will take place at Camarillo High School, Channel Islands Harbor, Fillmore High School, The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks and Rancho Santa Susana Park in Simi Valley.