With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Escondido officials are issuing a firm reminder: all fireworks are strictly forbidden in the city and throughout San Diego County, encompassing every variant from firecrackers to sparklers. "Fireworks are extremely dangerous and their use can easily cause serious injuries and start fires," Escondido Fire Chief John Tenger warned and emphasized the illegal status of fireworks due to the potential for property damage and bodily harm, particularly citing the region's vulnerability to brush fires, as per the City of Escondido.
Despite the celebratory allure, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports thousands sustain injuries annually in firework-related incidents, with a staggering statistic that forty percent of Independence Day fires nationally are sparked by such incendiaries. Tenger thus proclaimed the kick-off of Escondido's no-questions-asked Fireworks Collection Campaign, running from June 21 to July 5, where residents are encouraged to relinquish illegal fireworks at local fire stations to prevent the alarming trend of fires and injuries.
For those seeking to bask in the patriotic splendor without flouting the law, the City of Escondido presents a free, professional fireworks display accessible throughout central Escondido and Grape Day Park. The park will feature complementary festivities, setting the mood for the official show scheduled for 9 PM on July 4, with guidelines for public conduct, specifically forbidding dogs, BBQs, and alcohol, remaining in effect past sunset.
