 Oakland, Calif. (KCBS) -- At an illegal fireworks demonstration, Oakland police blew up an M-80 which destroyed a mannequin and set-off several nearby car alarms. The purpose of the demonstration was to remind the public how dangerous illegal fireworks are, and that on this Fourth of July, people caught using them will be fined $1,000 dollars.
James Andrew, the Deputy Chief of the Fire Department, pleaded with the public to not use illegal fireworks as Fourth of July tends to be the busiest time of year for firefighters.
”I’ve responded to multiple fires. Fourth of July, Fourth of July weekend, the time around Fourth of July is our busiest time of year, and Fourth of July is our busiest day by far. We see a dramatic increase in building fires, in outside fires, and also emergency medical calls.”
Firefighters are even more concerned this year as resources are stretched thin with thousands of firefighters out fighting hundreds of wildfires across the state.
Andrew said that in his 25 years of fire service, he’s never seen the wildfire situation this bad.
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KCBS' Bob Melrose reports
