SAN BERNARDINO (KABC) — The San Bernardino Metropolis Council on Wednesday permitted a one-year ban on all fireworks gross sales within the metropolis, with the Independence Day vacation only one month away.
Fireworks are already banned in all components of town north of the 210 freeway, however after the measure was permitted 5-2 at a council assembly, the sale and use of all fireworks within the metropolis was prohibited.
“So long as I’ve lived within the metropolis, individuals come and discuss to me about fireworks,” mentioned metropolis council member Treasure Ortiz in a publish made to social media.
“They discuss concerning the results of the secure and sane (fireworks); the popping; concerning veterans with PTSD. They discuss concerning the results on animals; they speak about security and potential hearth hazards.”
Earlier than Wednesday’s vote, solely non-profit organizations have been permitted to promote fireworks within the metropolis. The town does generate income off fireworks gross sales, however Ortiz mentioned it is not sufficient to offset the time beyond regulation prices related to first responders dealing with fireworks associated calls.
“We speak about the fee, it is nearly $250,000 in time beyond regulation, versus $130,000 in income. So we’re spending extra money.”
The San Bernardino County hearth division mentioned a number of the fireworks associated accidents they’ve responded to over time have been heartbreaking.
“Individuals have misplaced their fingers, or have been severely burned,” mentioned hearth marshal Monica Ronchetti. “It is normally the fingers, and generally the face. That is with holding a firework or roman candle and it explodes of their fingers.
“And generally it’s kids, and it’s totally unhappy to see.”
At the moment in San Bernardino County, using so-called “secure and sane” fireworks are solely permitted in Adelanto, Chino, Colton, Needles, Rialto, and components of Fontana, Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.
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