Coachella Valley ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks

For many people it’s not a 4th of July celebration without fireworks. Cathedral City fire Chief Paul Wilson reminds you to never shoot off illegal fireworks. The drought conditions and sparklers could create even more dangers.

“Everything is very dry and if you’re using illegal fireworks they can fly into neighbors yards or on to housetops and ignite fires,” said Wilson.

Safe and sane fireworks are the way to go.

Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio and Coachella are the only Coachella Valley cities where fireworks are allowed. If you’re going to host a fireworks show at home make sure you light them in the city in which you legally bought them.

“As a resident of Cathedral City I think it’s great we have the option to set off the fireworks that are safe. I know there’s debate about that, but if you read the instructions and an adult handles them, they’re very safe,” said Pamela Chesterman with Calvary Christian Center in Cathedral City.

Proceeds from Safe and Sane fireworks sales benefit local organizations in need.

“We are raising funds for our outreach,” said Chesterman.

Before you light up your celebrations there are few things you should know.

Firefighters warn children should never play with fireworks.
Light fireworks at least 20 feet away from combustible materials. Light one at a time and never relight a dud. Keep your pets indoors. Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.

“Do them on hard surfaces, driveways so that they’re safe and don’t catch any of the vegetation on fire,” said Wilson. “We would encourage people to certainly have a hose or bucket of water or fire extinguisher available while they’re enjoying their 4th of July weekend.”

If you want to leave the fireworks up to the professionals, here is a list of all the fireworks shows in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County.

33857838