CALIFORNIA, USA — Extreme fire weather conditions have led Cal Fire to ban fireworks in its jurisdiction in Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Around 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit (Cal Fire LNU) said elevated fire weather conditions from Tuesday, July 2, to Saturday, July 6, created by the combination of extreme heat, low humidity and gusty winds, led authorities to ban fireworks.
Officials said fireworks were banned during the five-day period in all state responsibility areas of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. These are areas where Cal Fire is the primary emergency response agency responsible for fire suppression and prevention, according to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The public is being urged to avoid any activities — not just fireworks — that could ignite a wildfire.
“If a fire were to start in these conditions, it has the potential to spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior,” said Matt Ryan, a Cal Fire LNU deputy chief. “We want to remind residents and visitors to take fire safety precautions this week and to make sure you are preparing yourself in the event a wildfire should start near you. Now is the time to have your evacuation plan in place, pack your (go-bag) and sign up for emergency alert notification through the county you live in or will be visiting.”
In Cal Fire LNU’s jurisdiction, over 20,000 acres have burned so far this year.
“That is more acres burned than the unit saw over the entire three previous years combined,” Cal Fire said in a news release.
