ELK GROVE, Calif. — Safe and sane firework booths opened across California for the first time this year Friday, but as these legal fireworks are now being sold, some illegal fireworks have already begun flying in some neighborhoods.
Some booths are set up to raise money like the Laguna Creek Band and Guard fundraising near Bruceville Road and Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove to pay for their trips.
“It's exciting,” said Sheron Morris, Treasure for Band Booster for Laguna Creek High School. “Our budget’s about $200,000? So this brings in a significant portion of our budget.”
They’re selling California “safe and sane fireworks,” or fireworks that don’t launch into the air and are less dangerous.
It’s something officials within Sacramento County as a whole are stressing folks stick to this year.
“This year, the fire season has been off and running right out of the chute,” said Battalion Chief Courtland Fisher with the Cosumnes Fire Department.
He says the fuels are extremely dry this year and hope the Fourth of July holiday doesn’t cause too big a headache.
“I'm anticipating the Fourth of July and the third of July being very busy this year, because of the heat,” he said.
Elk Grove city officials and police have used drones to slightly decrease the use of illegal fireworks, but the problem continues.
“You can see airborne fireworks in all these neighborhoods in Elk Grove in South Sacramento and down in Galt,” said Fisher. “They're just everywhere.”
In years past, Elk Grove fined people $100 for the first violation of using illegal fireworks. This year it’s a bit harsher — $1,000 per violation plus a misdemeanor.
“Hopefully folks will realize it is going to be more expensive for violations this year and hopefully that will deter it,” said Kevin Spease, Elk Grove Council Member during an April council meeting.
They’re hoping these warnings will make the holiday a little more tame.
“We don't want people to use illegal fireworks, there is a huge risk to property, there's a huge risk to life,” said Fisher.
For those wanting to see large fireworks in the sky, Elk Grove is hosting a fireworks display Thursday at Elk Grove Regional Park once the sun sets.
Anyone interested in safely getting rid of their illegal fireworks can do so without receiving a fine or punishment at the Station 71 on Elk Grove Boulevard near Highway 99 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
