Full Notification

This year, we've seen how extremely vulnerable San Diego County is to wildfires as strong winds fanned nine fast-moving wildfires all over the county in May.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is reminding San Diegans it's illegal to possess and use fireworks in the county. It's also illegal to transport fireworks from elsewhere into San Diego County or to make homemade fireworks or explosives.

Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted of possessing and/or using fireworks could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson also advises against launching sky or paper lanterns. There is no control over where the lantern lands, which poses a very high fire risk.

The National Fire Protection Association says more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Dry conditions elevate the risk that even small sparks created by fireworks and paper lanterns can lead to grass and brush fires, which can rapidly spread.

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the 4th of July holiday. Fireworks can cause burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness. Sparklers can burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold.

Leave fireworks to the professionals. After the fireworks display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over. They may still be hot.

Barbecues are also a big part of celebrating Independence Day. Take note of these precautions when cooking food with an open flame:
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, camper, tent, trees, shrubs or any enclosed area that could catch fire.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Make sure children and pets stay away from the grill. Remember, grills stay hot after you finish cooking.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.
• Ensure the grill is completely cooled before moving or placing it back in storage.

The Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public about road closures and traffic delays on Friday, July 4th for the following areas:

DEL MAR – nighttime before, during and after the San Diego County Fair fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.
• Expect heavy traffic around the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar specifically Via De La Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard before, during and after the fireworks show. Expect traffic to come to a standstill once the fair crowds start heading home.

RANCHO SANTA FE - noon to early afternoon
• A portion of Linea Del Cielo, Paseo Delicias and Avenida De Acacias will be closed for a Fourth of July Parade that starts at 1:00 p.m.

SAN MARCOS – between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Linda Vista Drive between Rancho Santa Fe Road and Pacific Street
• Overnight parking of RV's or motor homes is not allowed and violators will be ticketed.

SANTEE – afternoon hours
• Cottonwood Avenue between Claudia Lane and Palm Glen Drive

VISTA – between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
• Vale Terrace Drive between E. Vista Way and Vale Terrace Place
• Williamston Street between E. Vista Way and Vale Terrace Drive
• Ponderosa Drive at Vale Terrace Drive
• Alta Vista Drive at Vale Terrace Place
• Vale Terrace Place between Alta Vista Drive and Vale Terrace Drive

You can still visit our Crime Prevention booth at the San Diego County Fair through July 6th located at the Infield San Diego Pavilion near Kiddieland.