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Fire officials urge Monterey County residents to avoid illegal fireworks, warn of wildfire risk
Summary
Monterey County and Cal Fire officials warned July 1 that illegal fireworks and transporting city‑legal fireworks into rural areas increase wildfire risk. They urged attending professional shows, using only licensed 'safe and sane' products within city limits, and calling 911 only for fires or injuries.
Monterey County fire officials warned residents on July 1 to avoid illegal fireworks and take extra precautions ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
Matt Lumadoo, a fire prevention specialist with the Monterey County Regional Fire District, said, "Any fireworks that leave the ground are illegal," and urged people to buy "safe and sane" products only from licensed dealers that carry the State Fire Marshal stamp. He said those products should be used only within the city limits where they were purchased.
Curtis Rhodess of Cal Fire described recent vegetation fires and enforcement activity in the county: "We have seen multiple fires started throughout Monterey County" and "we have made multiple arrests" connected to fireworks. He stressed that dry fuels and wind can make a single spark travel quickly and start a major wildfire.
Both officials recommended that families attend professionally organized municipal fireworks shows rather than lighting even legal consumer fireworks near dry vegetation. Lumadoo noted a civil fine that the briefing described as "up to $1,500 a fine per firework that leaves the ground," and warned that people who start fires may be held liable for suppression costs.
When asked about reporting, officials said to reserve 911 for actual fires or injuries and to use city non‑emergency numbers for noise or fireworks complaints; the briefing did not list each city's non‑emergency numbers. Rhodess also advised residents to sign up for Alert Monterey County and to maintain defensible space around homes.
Officials added practical travel tips to reduce roadside fire starts, such as ensuring catalytic converters and trailer chains are not dragging, and using chain covers when towing.
The briefing closed the fire‑safety segment by urging residents to plan evacuation routes, check on neighbors (especially seniors), and follow county alerts over the holiday weekend.
