Law and Fire Officials Promote Safe and Sane July 4

Fourth of July festivities are just around the corner. While celebrating, law and fire officials say staying safe and mindful of yourself and others is important.

The California Highway Patrol, the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) have provided reminders and guidelines for the holiday. 

With the Fourth of July, barbeques and parties come drinking. CHP Officer Jennifer Pabst said that driving under the influence (DUI) incidents are especially common during Fourth of July. She reminds the community that DUIs can be given for alcohol intoxication but also for marijuana, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs. 

It is also important to remember that alcohol stays in your system for a long time, according to CHP Officer Kylie Musselman. 

“Alcohol dissipates from our bodies at a rate of 0.02 percent blood alcohol per hour,” Musselman said, “if you drink and your blood alcohol gets to 0.01 percent and you take a five-hour nap, you're still going to be well, well above the legal limit.”  

Alameda County Fire Department public affairs manager Cheryl Hurd explained that fireworks of any kind are illegal in Alameda County except for safe and sane fireworks in Newark, Dublin, and Union City. Safe and sane fireworks are fireworks that don’t shoot up into the air. Things like ground and handheld sparklers are among the safe and sane fireworks that are permitted. 

“We’re always concerned about the illegal fireworks,” Hurd said, “In fact, you know, people are already popping off fireworks.”

Hurd said the Alameda County Fire Department is especially concerned about illegal fireworks this year because the summer has been hotter and drier than in previous years. This means an abundance of dry foliage that can catch on fire and grow into a larger fire.  

According to Hurd, ACFD is increasing its staff by about 30 personnel and five fire engines in preparation for the holiday.

Every year, the ACSO investigates the selling and use of illegal fireworks. According to Sargent Roberto Morales, illegal fireworks pose a hazard to people and property alike. The Sheriff’s Office has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks; violators will face citation and seizure of their fireworks, according to Morales. 

Last year, two grass fires in Castro Valley—one at Lake Chabot and the other near 3Crosses Church—threatened homes and other structures during the Fourth of July holiday. Officials confirmed that illegal fireworks started both blazes.

Anyone witnessing the use or sale of illegal fireworks is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number: 510-667-7721. According to Morales, witnesses should explain the exact location of the incident and other key facts about the scene.  

“The biggest key is to ensure that you’re safe and you never put yourselves in harm's way,” Morales said.