BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Monday will begin the sale of fireworks throughout Kern County. Times for purchase will vary between Bakersfield City limits and out-layer communities around Kern County.
In Bakersfield, the sale of holiday explosives will begin on Monday from noon until 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday's hours will begin earlier at 6:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. On the Forth of July, Thursday, sales will begin at 6:00 a.m. and end at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
The use of fireworks will be allowed on Tuesday and Wednesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 12:01 a.m. the following day. For the 4th of July, use of fireworks will be allowed at 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5th.
Unincorporated Kern County, including the communities of Arvin, Buttonwillow, Lamont, Lost Hills, Maricopa, McFarland, Mojave, Rosamond, Ridgecrest, Shafter, and Taft will have the same hours of purchase as Bakersfield.
However, the use of fireworks will be different. These areas are allowed to use fireworks starting Monday at noon through 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday. The use of fireworks will be allowed on Tuesday and Wednesday beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 12:01 a.m. the following day. For the 4th of July, use of fireworks will be allowed at 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5th.
Public firework celebrations will begin on Thursday, including the annual July 4th event in Bakersfield starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Spectrum Amphitheater at The Park at River Walk. Music will be performed by Truxtun Mile and Wilfredo Cruz Jr. beginning at 9:15 p.m.
Fire danger is high in California during the Fourth of July holiday. Cal Fire is sharing some tips to keep you safe while using fireworks.
" Fireworks are illegal in certain areas of California because each year serious injuries and millions of dollars in property loss occur from wildfires sparked by fireworks. Large grass crops and abundant vegetation, due to a wet winter, increase the threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of California," according to Cal Fire.
California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include:
Sky rockets, Bottle rockets, Roman candles, Aerial shells, Firecrackers, and other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.
- It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal, as well as possess or use any fireworks in a community where they are not permitted.
- If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000, as well as be sent to jail for up to one year.
Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks
- Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
- Always read directions
- Always have an adult present
- Only use fireworks outdoors
- Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
- Light one at a time
- Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby
Fireworks Injury Prevention Safety Tips:
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Never experiment with fireworks
- Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing while lighting fireworks
- Never carry fireworks in your pockets
- Fireworks are not toys
