City Council
MEETING DATE: 8/8/2018
TITLE:
Title
2018 Fireworks Program Recap
End
FROM:
Paul Wilson, Fire Chief
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
For information and discussion only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Cathedral City has an ordinance permitting the annual sale and discharge of "Safe and Sane" fireworks in Cathedral City, during the July 4th holiday period.
The ordinance was implemented to accomplish two objectives;
First; to provide funding to cover the City expenses of public education and police enforcement related to fireworks; and
Second; to allow qualified non-profits an opportunity to recover youth-oriented funding that was eliminated during previous City budget reductions.
The "Safe and Sane" fireworks program is open to six non-profit groups.
DISCUSSION:
"Safe and Sane" firework sales are permitted from noon on June 28th until 10:00 p.m. on July 4th.
The use of "Safe and Sane" fireworks may commence at noon on June 28th and must cease by midnight on July 4th.
Aerial and exploding fireworks are always prohibited by state law and local ordinance.
2018 Fire and Police Response Summary:
Between July 1st and July 4th, 2018 a total of 111 9-1-1 calls were received by Dispatch related to fireworks. The Police Department responded to all calls for service.
The Cathedral City Fire Dept. was dispatched to the following emergency incidents from 12:01 a.m. on July 1 through 8:00 a.m. July 5, 2018;
July 1st - 20 incidents, none related to fireworks.
July 2nd - 11 incidents, none related to fireworks
July 3rd - 18 incidents, none related to fireworks
July 4th - 17 incidents, 5 fireworks related (see summary below)
July 5th - 14 incidents, 1 related to fireworks
No delays were experienced by the fire department units responding to reported emergency incidents.
Below is a summary and description of the F.D. emergency responses:
1. July 4: Rio Del Sol (Sunny Ln. west of Da Vall Dr.), Vegetation Fire: Hay bail and small hed...
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