Fire Chief Cory Cisneros and Police Chief Chris Kirby urged Barstow residents to celebrate safely ahead of the Independence Day holiday, reminding the public that only "safe and sane" fireworks are legal in the city and that misuse can cause preventable injuries, fires and property damage.
The chiefs said fireworks "are not toys" and emphasized adult supervision: "If children use light fireworks, they shall be supervised by adults with a safe distance kept in mind," the officials said. They also told residents to "know the law," noting that safe-and-sane fireworks are permitted only on private property.
Officials defined illegal fireworks as any that "come off the ground or fly through the air" and said those devices are not considered safe and sane. The chiefs added that it is illegal to use safe-and-sane fireworks on sidewalks, city streets, parks or other public areas.
"Illegal fireworks put our neighborhoods at risk as well as expose our community to unnecessary health and safety issues," the statement said, as the chiefs urged residents to follow all fireworks regulations and celebrate responsibly.
Chief Chris Kirby and Chief Cory Cisneros closed the brief public notice by wishing residents a happy holiday weekend.