Concord Residents Urged To Heed Illegal Fireworks Warning

CONCORD, CA — Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, Contra Costa County officials in a joint news release warned the community about the extreme dangers of fireworks, especially amid the high fire risk throughout the area.

“All fireworks, regardless of type or labeling, are illegal everywhere in Contra Costa County,” the release stated.

There are no Safe and Sane fireworks in the county, unlike Dublin in Alameda County, the release reiterated.

“Regardless of labeling, they are all dangerous and uncontrollable,” the release said. “A new fireworks ordinance Chapter 44-2 of the County Ordinance Code enacted last year, along with numerous city ordinances, has strengthened enforcement abilities.”

Initial fines for violators could reach $100, the release said. A second violation within a year could result in a $200 fine and each additional violation is $500, according to the release.

“The only safe and sane approach to fireworks in Contra Costa County is to simply not use them,” Fire Chief Lewis Broschard with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said.

READ MORE: 4 Bay Area Wildfires Scorch 739 Acres

“My office will work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to curtail the use of illegal fireworks,” Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said. “Those who engage in acts of unlawful burning that put our communities in danger will face legal jeopardy.”

Due to drought conditions, communities throughout the area experienced a 75 percent increase in grass and vegetation fires this year as compared to two years ago, the release said. The increase is 20 percent since 2021.

Several fireworks fires have already been sparked this year with drought conditions and prolonged
warm, dry and windy weather, making fire danger unusually high and making fireworks an even greater threat to our communities than in wetter and cooler years.
Con Fire investigators announced June 21 that fireworks were the cause of a four-alarm overnight grass fire June 17 in Pittsburg that burned 120 acres, threatened some 100 homes with destruction, and forced the evacuation of 2,200 residents. As of today, the fire remains under investigation.

In May 2021, a major fire in Antioch started by a single firework caused the destruction of eight apartments and the displacement of some 40 residents. Numerous additional fires throughout the area that year were also caused by, or suspected of being caused by, fireworks.

Visit this link to read the full news release.