PETALUMA, Calif. (KCBS) -- Under a compromise with fire fighters wary of the dangers of a third summer of drought, vendors have agreed to sell Safe and Sane fireworks for four days instead of the usual seven.
Their booths, surrounded by dry grass and asphalt, are clearly visible in downtown Petaluma. It’s one of only four cities in Sonoma County that allows fireworks to be sold to raise money for charities and non-profits.
KCBS' Dave Padilla reports
“The city of Petaluma’s worried about fires,” said Steve Maulyn, a youth pastor who expects to take in significantly less money this year. He said vendors can typically raise anywhere from $6,000 to $30,000.
Maulyn contends most Fourth of July fires are started by people using illegal fireworks, a distinction Fire Inspector Cary Fergus said the city cannot afford to make.
Fergus said anyone caught with illegal fireworks will receive an on-the-spot $1,000 citation. Misusing Safe and Sane fireworks carries a $250 penalty.
(jro)
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