The vibrant display of legal fireworks lights up the Orange skyline as residents celebrate Independence Day.
The city of Orange will permit the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks for Independence Day celebrations. This policy shift is in response to budget shortfalls and aligns Orange with neighboring cities in Orange County. While fireworks will be allowed in the western section, restrictions remain in the east due to fire risks. Additionally, safety remains a major concern, with hefty penalties in place for illegal fireworks usage. Proceeds from legal sales will support local schools and nonprofits, ensuring responsible celebration amid community safety awareness.
Orange – The city of Orange will allow the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, marking a significant shift in local policy. This decision comes amid the city’s budget shortfalls, which have caused officials to cancel the traditional Third of July fireworks show for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Fireworks use in the eastern part of Orange remains restricted due to heightened fire risks, but the western section will see legal fireworks sales and usage permitted. Fireworks can be discharged from noon to 10 p.m. on July 4, and sales will run from noon to 10 p.m. until July 3, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4 at eight designated locations. Sales proceeds will support selected schools and nonprofit organizations through a lottery system.
Orange voters approved Measure AA in November, allowing for the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks, aligning Orange with other cities in Orange County like Anaheim, Buena Park, and Huntington Beach that allow similar practices. Each of these cities has specific restrictions on where and how fireworks can be used, highlighting the continued efforts to ensure public safety.
While fireworks will be legally available in Orange, the illegal use of fireworks carries significant penalties. Individuals caught violating the city’s fireworks ordinance could face fines of up to $1,000, while the possession of illegal fireworks can lead to fines up to $50,000 and potential imprisonment for up to one year. Fire officials emphasize the importance of safety, warning against tampering with fireworks and stressing that children should not handle them.
Safety concerns are particularly salient this year as fire officials in Orange County reported a 43% increase in firework-related injuries during the past year, with a significant number of those incidents attributed to illegal fireworks. In total, the Orange County Fire Authority treated 36 individuals for fireworks-related injuries last summer alone.
To aid in enforcement and ensure public safety during the holiday celebrations, some cities in Orange County will deploy drones to monitor illegal fireworks activity. This new tactic is part of a broader effort to reinforce fire safety protocols as fireworks celebration becomes commonplace in select jurisdictions.
The adoption of Measure AA was a response to ongoing discussions among city officials and residents regarding the balance between community tradition and public safety. Despite the legalization in Orange, the use of illegal fireworks continues to pose a threat, especially in areas still at high risk for fires.
Last summer’s experiences, including incidents involving illegal fireworks, have spurred local advocacy for safe practices. The story of Edther Ocampo, a young boy who became a victim of an illegal firework, has been a rallying point for safety awareness initiatives.
While Orange will open the doors for legal fireworks sales in parts of the city, the overarching message remains focused on safety and responsible usage. With ongoing budget cuts impacting many local events, safety continues to frame the community’s conversations about holiday festivities.
In summary, as Orange welcomes legal fireworks for Independence Day this year, it does so under the careful consideration of public safety and the lessons learned from past incidents. As residents prepare to celebrate, staying informed about regulations and safety practices will be paramount to ensuring a safe holiday for all.
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