Folsom passes emergency fireworks ordinance due to fire danger

Folsom, Calif.- Due to the high danger of fire, the discharge of personal fireworks in Folsom is prohibited after midnight on July 4.  In addition, personal fireworks may not be discharged in 11 City parks, on bike trails or on private property posted by the owner.

On June 26, the City Council adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fireworks in the City after July 4 and amending the Folsom Municipal Code to add to the list of parks and other locations where the discharge of fireworks is prohibited.

Personal fireworks are now prohibited at City Lions Park, Rodeo Park, Kemp Park, B.T. Collins Park, Lew Howard Park, Hinkle Creek Nature Area, Lembi Community Park, Willow Springs Reservoir, Livermore Community Park, Hazel McFarland Park, Philip C. Cohn Park, City Bike Trails, Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom Public Library, Community Center, City Hall, Senior and Arts Center, Police Department and private property that has been posted by the owner.

‘The fire danger in Folsom and surrounding areas is high this year and these restrictions are intended to reduce the potential of a fire in the city,’ said Fire Chief Eric Dutton. ‘Adding the bike trails and additional parks to the list of fireworks restricted areas will reduce the chance of a fire started by fireworks threatening these important community resources.

 ‘In many cases, the use of approved fireworks occurs for many days after the holiday celebration. The use of fireworks after the holiday celebrations is generally unsupervised and often occurs in areas where the fire danger is significant, such as open space areas and parks.

Restricting the time frame makes good sense during a period of high fire danger.’ The emergency ordinance also adds a prohibition on the possession, use and discharge of fireworks on private property that has been posted by the owner.  Dutton noted that some business owners have complained that people have used private parking lots as locations to discharge fireworks without obtaining permission from the property owners.

Dutton noted that Fourth of July fireworks have been a local tradition for many years.  ‘Our goal is to balance that tradition with the interest of preserving public health, safety, general welfare and property.  The vast majority of our residents understand the potential danger and we expect they will comply with our new restrictions.’