Experts share firework safety tips with locals
While many opt to take in one of the big shows, others set off their own fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Fireworks stands were busy across the Coachella Valley Monday. Families stocking up, getting ready to put on their own fireworks show.
“We just got a variety, one of the variety packs and Purple Rain and different things like that,” said Julie Surdock from San Diego.
Shelves empty at one fireworks stand in Indio as they get ready to close early and enjoy the holiday.
Across town, Chuck Vasquez said this year sales have skyrocketed.
“We have many families that have already come back and bought more because they already shot them off, and they want to still have some for tonight,” Vasquez said.
With many people opting to put on their own show, Vasquez wants to remind everyone about some basic firework safety.
“The stuff that flies up in the air, the stuff that goes ‘boom,’ are illegal fireworks; that’s where the fires and the injuries come from. Safe and sane, have a trash can, a bucket of water nearby, douse them in the bucket, throw them in the trash, you’ll have no problem,” Vasquez said.
Fire officials said you always need to be cautious, even with legal fireworks.
“If a firework causes a fire of any type that person can be found criminally and civilly liable for the coast of the suppression of that fire,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Rick Griggs.
Parents buying fireworks for their kids said they’re not taking any chances.
“We have fire extinguishers and buckets of water and we always try to be prepared,” said Martha Ayala.
Officials said they will have full enforcement out tonight working to keep people safe and looking for anyone setting off fireworks where they shouldn’t be. The cities where you can shoot fireworks off are Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio.
