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Ventura, CA- Fourth of July is synonymous with sun, fun, barbequing, and fireworks. The Ventura Police and Fire Departments encourage community members to enjoy a safe and sane Fourth of July and do their part to help prevent fires and injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
“With the lack of significant rain recently, Ventura remains critically dry due to long-term drought conditions,” said Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Fireworks are a wonderful part of the Independence Day tradition but pose a serious threat to wildfire and danger to personal injury. While we can never eliminate accidents, we can reduce risk by encouraging the public to avoid using any kind of fireworks. They are illegal, unpredictable, and spark fires too easily.”
With a year round fire season, the fire risk to our community is substantial and cannot be ignored. Public safety officials in the City of Ventura encourage families to attend holiday festivities sponsored by local community groups or attend public fireworks show. This year, the City’s Fourth of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on July 4 with events happening in Ventura's Downtown District from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. To learn more, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/StreetFair
Additionally, the Ventura Rotary Club will host a fireworks show and family picnic on July 3 starting at 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.VenturaFireworks.com.
During the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the Ventura Police Department will deploy as many police resources as possible to help catch fireworks violators. In 2021, calls for service were 100% higher than a typical Fourth of July. Ventura Police triaged 343 total firework disturbance calls throughout the holiday weekend and confiscated over 90 lbs. of illegal fireworks.
“Each year during the holiday, VPD receives a high volume of concerns about illegal fireworks as well as dangers to people and pets,” said Commander Ryan Weeks. “This is also one of the most dangerous times for DUI-related incidents and fatalities.”
Ventura Police encourages community members to stay off the road after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medications. With so many options for a safe and sober ride home, including rideshare services, there is no excuse for driving under the influence.
If you see a neighbor lighting fireworks, call 9-1-1 if the activity is in-progress or poses an immediate threat to yourself or others. If there is no immediate threat, please call the 24/7 non-emergency line at 805-650-8010. Be prepared to provide a location of the activity and/or a description of those involved.
Anyone found in possession of fireworks, or caught using them, could be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a jail term of up to a year.
Keep your families, neighbors, and pets safe by refraining from using illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.
For more information on staying safe this Fourth of July, please visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Fireworks.
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