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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Fireworks Are Dangerous and Strictly Prohibited in Oxnard |
| DATE/TIME: | June 12, 2016/ 3:45pm |
| PREPARED BY: | Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager |
| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Melissa Valdez (805) 342-8292 |
DETAILS:
According to the National Fire Protection Association website “From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks. These fires included 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside and other fires”
Please consider the following facts:
- In 2014, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.
- The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 5-9, followed by children 10-19.
- Sparklers alone account for more than one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
Fireworks are not just strictly prohibited in Oxnard – they’re dangerous. Playing with them could cost a child or you serious burns to the head, face, hands, and body. It could also cost you a thousands of dollars for using or possessing them. And if they cause property damage, you’ll pay even more. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling fireworks is subject to arrest or fines of up to $1,000. Fireworks can also cause serious injury to pets. Dogs, cats, and horses get scared by fireworks, causing them to panic and escape, get lost, wind up at animal shelters or even run into the street resulting in motor vehicle accidents and injuries.
The City of Oxnard encourages the public to help keep family, friends and neighbors safe during the July Fourth holiday by calling the Oxnard Police Department’s hotline, (805) 394-5884, to report the habitual use of illegal fireworks. The hotline can be used during and leading up to the holiday. The line is not staffed and is for messages only. Hotline callers can remain anonymous, and any information provided will remain confidential. Tips received through the hotline will help the Police Department’s Neighborhood Police Team better identify fireworks-prone areas and quickly address illegal activity. The hotline, (805) 394-5884, is dedicated solely to the reporting of habitual fireworks.
A list of additional resources available to the public is noted below:
Habitual fireworks: Email the Police Department at fireworks@oxnardpd.org
In-progress fireworks: Call the Police Department’s dispatch line at (805) 385-7740. Be prepared to provide specific information regarding the firework activity. For example, address, suspect description, etc.
Emergencies: (e.g., house fires, injuries): Dial 9-1-1
Members of the public who want to dispose of illegal fireworks can stop by any of the Oxnard Fire Department’s eight stations to hand over fireworks without facing penalties:
Station 1: 491 S. K St.
Station 2: 531 E. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Station 3: 150 Hill St.
Station 4: 230 W. Vineyard Ave.
Station 5: 1450 Colonia Rd.
Station 6: 2601 Peninsula Rd.
Station 7: 3300 Turnout Park Circle
Station 8: 3000 S. Rose Ave.
The City encourages the public to enjoy the free annual fireworks show, Fireworks by the Sea, at Channel Islands Harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.
Be smart on the 4th of July – don’t kid around with fireworks!
DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 12, 2017/ 3:45pm
