The city of Grass Valley decided late Thursday to ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks this year because of the fire danger.
The decision comes amid mounting criticism from some residents, businesses and officials, including the governor's office, about the wisdom of allowing the sale of fireworks while cities such as Grass Valley are blanketed in thick smoke from ongoing fires.
"How do you suppose it looks to an Idaho firefighter, who is sleeping in a tent at the fairgrounds and fighting fires 12 hours a day on our behalf, only to see us supporting and placing fireworks stands within our cities while we have all these fires going," said Walt Wilson, property manager of the Fowler Center, in an email seen by The Union.
City officials, led by Fire Chief Jim Marquis, will seek to issue an emergency order prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks within the city. ...more... See the original article in full, as published in The Union
Fireworks for Jan 1, not July 4 !!!
Neither Safe nor Sane in Summer
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Fireworks: Fuel for Fools in Summer
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Citizens demand Firework Sanity
- Full text of the letters below may be found in archives of opinion at TheUnion.com
- Finding safe solutions- One scholarship, one charitable donation won't compensate for one's home lost in a fire. One responsible seller will not negate an irresponsible buyer if a fire erupts due to misused fireworks. | Letters to the Editor | February 19, 2008 | By Dolores Beresford
- Get creative Sue Barnickol,and figure out other ways to raise money. Period. I don't support dangerous fireworks! | replyby Gabriella on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:56:23 PST
- AMEN. Once again, "This is a no-brainer." From what I understand the monies earned from selling fireworks is very substanial. MUCH more than $10K. Which means two things: 1) 4-H (& choir organizations,etc) would need to work hard (and smart) to replace there cash cow; therefore they are desperate to keep fireworks sales alive - even at the risk of massive destructions and 2) There are a TON of people lighting off fireworks in our backyards, threating all of us. Sorry, but it is really not worth it. Find your kicks (& money) somewhere else! Melissa Seibold | replyby tiltymel on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:23:00 PST
- We would most likely lose members" Guess what? The rest of us would like to avoid losing members as well, and our houses or other property. Sue, your clubs work and contributions are of course highly commended. I am sure that everyone wishes the 4H club the best in every respect. But even with the best of intentions, there is not a single thing that you might do that can help protect the community from the actions of some idiot juvenile or other thoughtless person with fireworks in hand during the very risky fire season, except by removing their access to those fireworks. It only takes one idiot you know, to destroy SO MUCH! Please, there has got to be some other way to raise needed funds, other than selling fireworks. | replyby Jack Willard on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:07:54 PST
- Other voices: Fireworks ban here is a no-brainer Fireworks sales and use during fire season in Nevada County, whether they are purchased legally or illegally, should be considered unlawful. | Local Opinion | February 1, 2008 | By Melissa Seibold
- No such thing as 'safe and sane' I can't believe that the sale of fireworks is still even being considered! What will have to happen for these people to get it through their heads? We live in a forested area and we don't need "safe and sane" fireworks being set off anywhere... | Letters to the Editor | January 28, 2008 | By Tom Rodgers
- The Law? All I can say to you golden stone is I hope that no one in your neighborhood looses their home or is hurt, when one of your sober, but irresponsible neighbors starts a fire. Sorry but the cops couldn't get there in time to arrest the offender since the fire trucks were in the way trying to put out the fire. Besides it's a little late to let the cops do there job after a fire has already started. Damage done. Last word from me is NO FIREWORKS!! replyby Kodiak121 on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:03:29 PST
- BAN FIREWORKS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY !! WHY TAKE CHANCES? YES OUR TOWN IS AT RISK FOR FIRE W/ FIREWORKS...GO SEE THEM PROFESSIONALLY DONE AND HAVE FUN...BAN FIREWORKS IN NEVADA COUNTY TO MUCH FOLIAGE.... | replyby 3pugdogs on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:57:07 PST
- How much cash does your club "net" each year on fireworks sales, and how many hours are spent to buy and sell them, set up and take down the stand etc. Then figure the "net" you realize on an animal auctioned at the fair. It wouldn't take too many animals raised by the group, rather than by the individual, to raise all the funds you "lose" by not having an explosives stand in Grass Valley. And there would be valuable entrepreneurial experience to be gained. It is something to consider. | replyby onionreader on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:11:12 PST
- New Year's fireworks works for me Does it just make too much sense? The suggestion to allow and sell fireworks only for New Year's seems like a win-win. | Letters to the Editor | January 26, 2008 | By Jim Robinson
- Education not the answer!!! Education will not stop irresponsible people from being reckless. Clearing around homes will not stop a fire from burning all the forest around you will it?? How well will that education work on an adult how has celebrated a few drinks too much and gets careless. Mr Wick you need to be more responsible for educating your club members to a new way to earn money. No fire accidents in 20 years..GREAT. Do we need to have one to stop fireworks sales? Let's stop NOW while we are ahead. replyby Kodiak121 on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:44:47 PST
- Move fireworks celebration to December I understand the desire to raise funds for the worthy groups that are selling "safe and sane" fireworks. However, the description of fireworks is an oxymoron. | Letters to the Editor | January 17, 2008 | By Colleen Klatt
- Proposed ban on fireworks Banning fireworks is an idea that is long overdue. I understand that many groups raise money by selling fireworks, as have I. | Letters to the Editor | December 6, 2007 | By Alan Kinne
- I'm on board... as if we're going to have fireworks, then this is the best possible time of the year to do this activity! It's a great idea to do this during the wet time of the year and Kudos to those who suggested this! I just have a problem with having incendiary devices during the dry and hot time of the year! | replyby berner4u on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:53:51 PDT
- 4th on the 4th Couldn't agree more -- with the exception of fireworks in January -- actually, Dec. 31. We buy fireworks every 4th, but because we live in a rural area, don't get to use them until we do our Bonfireworks on N.Y.'s Eve -- and "weird" as it is -- it's also great fun -- for the entire family! We do the "big show" at the fairgrounds -- have never been disappointed -- 20+ years and counting! That said -- there is entirely too much ILLEGAL USE of fireworks on the 4th. That DOES need to be addressed. | replyby PTHelp on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:12:42 PDT
- Other Voices: Outline for community planning on fireworks. Now that July Fourth of 2007 has faded into our collective memory, we have several months to hold a community discussion concerning the appropriateness of private fireworks displays in Nevada County and its cities. | Local Opinion | July 17, 2007 | By Dennis Cassella
- Fireworks Sales I agree allowing local non profits to sell fireworks for use on New Years Eve would solve the fundraising problems for those organization effected by a ban on fire works in July. I also have another suggestion. I would not mind $ 5.00 to $ 10.00 being added to my property tax bill to pay for the local fireworks show at the fairground as long as the fair board agreed to lower the prices so local families could afford to attend. Many people do not attend the fireworks show at the fairgrounds do to the high prices charged. Many towns have free fireworks shows to discourage the use of fireworks at home. If the county and the fair board work together this idea can work. | replyby countrygirl44 on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:40:01 PDT
- Don't permit fireworks' displays. Before and since the Fourth of July, I have seen several people write in the "Your Views" section of The Union of their complaints about the use and sale of fireworks in Nevada County. I commend our county leaders for this wisdom. | Letters to the Editor | July 12, 2007 | By Michael Baker
- People were concerned about the elevated potential for a disastrous fire. Hmm, discretion or fireworks? Which carries more weight: safety for the whole community or fun for a few? As for the "centuries old tradition" argument; thanks for representing that great "American" sense of entitlement. "It's my right to put people at risk so that I can enjoy my right to celebrate however I want." And the capper: "to freely celebrate our independence in the manner that inspired Frances Scott Key to write our Nation Anthem." Wasn't Mr. Key inspired to write the anthem as a result of witnessing a real battle? To compare little fireworks with actual fighting is merely absurd. You want to "celebrate our independence in the manner that inspired...??" Then go to a combat zone and get inspired. God bless what America once strove to be. | replyby stiffler on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:05:44 PDT
- Not panic-stricken I don't think being concerned over the high fire danger "panic-stricken. People are concerned and for good reason, we are under some of the worst fire conditions since the 1970's. I can only assume T.D. you have never experienced the terror of a wildfire. Those of us who have lived through the 49er fire don't wish to do it again. Yes I know that fire was not started by fireworks. The fact still remains we got lucky July 4th, lets just hope that luck stays with us for the rest of the fire season. | replyby countrygirl44 on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:45:57 PDT
- Insanity rules on fireworks issue. Diane Longacre's letter on "Fighting fireworks" speaks of sound judgment and common sense. This beautiful area, in which many of us choose to live, is minutes away from an accident of fire so devastating that no one can imagine it. | Letters to the Editor | July 5, 2007 | By Lois Cleveland
- Re-evaluate legal use of fireworks. I would like to thank Dixie Redfearn and Jeff Pelline for their common sense comments on the sale of fireworks in Grass Valley and Nevada City. I certainly don't understand Chief Jim Marquis' comment that legal fireworks cut fire risk. | Letters to the Editor | July 5, 2007 | By Vincent Cardinale
- Fireworks & fund raisers This is a great idea, lets celebrate fireworks on New Years and save the 4th for food, flags and such. Also more enforcement is in order as many people who buy the fireworks locally take them out into the rural areas to have their own shows in their driveways, pastures etc. where fire danger is HIGH. | replyby Bobberdink on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:01:08 PDT
- End fireworks insanity. Vegetation this year is dryer earlier than ever. Millions of tax dollars are spent on fuels reduction and firefighting. | Letters to the Editor | July 4, 2007 | By Nicholas George
- Time to close down fireworks stands. Each year I am concerned about the sale of fireworks within the city limits of Grass Valley and Nevada City and the impact it may have on those of us who live in rural areas. | Letters to the Editor | July 3, 2007 | By Carol Raulston
- Forget fireworks. As a retired ophthalmic nurse, may I point out that wildfires are not the only danger posed by fireworks. I have seen families devastated by the injuries caused from firework burns. | Letters to the Editor | June 29, 2007 | By Glennis Dole
- Bad time for fireworks. Jeff Pelline is correct and timely in that the sale of fireworks in Nevada County is a bad idea.| Letters to the Editor | June 28, 2007 | By Brion Coyne
- Letters to the Editor: Angora blaze sparks debate over fireworks sales. It's Monday morning and South Lake Tahoe is ablaze. | Letters to the Editor | June 27, 2007 | By The Union Readers
- Fighting fireworks. Here's something that has puzzled me for quite a while.| Letters to the Editor | June 26, 2007 | By Diane Longacre
- Jeff Pelline: A safe, sane idea on fireworks. I was cruising down the mountain from Lake Tahoe early Monday morning, thinking about the awful fire that had just destroyed hundreds of homes and blanketed the area with thick smoke. Nobody's ever seen anything like it up there. | Local Opinion | June 26, 2007 | By Jeff Pelline
- Why allow fireworks? Reading the supplement Wildfire Season 2005 in today's Union (June 27) and the article about "Rising Costs of HomeOwners Insurance" placed next to another article about "Fireworks" leads one to the obvious question ... | Local Opinion | July 2, 2005 | By Leo Weilmann
- Fired up over fireworks. Hail return of the July 4th fire rituals. Grass Valley City Council and their "Fireworks policy committee" think nothing from GV's (un)Safe and (in)Sane fireworks stands will be lighted anywhere else. | Local Opinion | June 29, 2005 | By Nick J
- Help fight fireworks. Another Fourth of July has come and gone, and Nevada County has again been spared a devastating fire started by fireworks in the hands of an irresponsible person. Local Opinion | July 17, 2004 | Linda O'Kay
- Raise money other ways. I would like to commend your staff on yesterday's very timely commentary on the use of fireworks. I was driving in the Gold Hills Business District of Nevada City recently and noted with alarm the many fireworks stands which are present. | Local Opinion | July 8, 2004 | Sands Bellizzi
- Sheer madness. I appreciated the front page article in The Union this week, warning us about the extra-dry conditions and extreme fire danger this summer. A few days later, I'm driving down Main Street in Grass valley and see fireworks stands. Sheer madness. | Local Opinion | July 3, 2004 | Claudel Butler-Taylor
- Fireworks sales don't make sense. Although we enjoy the spectacle and color of fireworks as much as anyone, we have to wonder about the logic of permitting the private sale and use of pyrotechnics when the foothills are experiencing the most fire-tempting conditions in recent years. | Local Opinion | June 29, 2004 | The Union editorial board
- Residents fret about fireworks. I've noticed that the fireworks booths are up again! It just seems that with the threat of fires so high, the agencies would decide that the risk is too high and that perhaps there's a smarter way to raise money than selling fireworks. | Local Opinion | June 28, 2004 | various authors
- Ready, set, burn! Have you noticed the return of the annual fire rituals? The "(un)Safe and (in)Sane" fireworks stands? Still-burning, smoking cigarette butts on the roads? Had I not doused the butt in my neighborhood road recently, wind from a passing vehicle could... | Local Opinion | June 26, 2004 | Nick J
- Save fireworks until New Year's. Regarding fireworks on Independence Day: It seems ridiculous to me to have them available when the fire danger is so high. | Local Opinion | July 12, 2003 | Jacquie Myers Grass Valley
- Reader cringes each July 4 over fireworks stand sales. | Local Opinion | July 8, 2003 | Denise Harvey
- You've got to be kidding: no burn permits, but fireworks? We have 90-degree temperatures, 30-percent humidity. Today's headlines in The Union: "Burn permits to be suspended" and "Air quality hazardous for some Saturday." | Local Opinion | July 1, 2003 | William L. Staudenheimer Grass Valley
- Blowing things up is American way. Sales fizzled again last year at the Clear Creek Ranch fireworks stand. The new pre-purchase screening protocol I imposed may be to blame. | Local Opinion | July 1, 2003 | Mike Drummond
- Fireworks just too dangerous. As a member of Nevada County and a subscriber to The Union newspaper I cannot believe that no one has spoken out regarding the Fourth of July fireworks stands that are already up. | Local Opinion | July 1, 2002 | Kyla Connell