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Monterey County officials warn fireworks can spark fast-moving wildfires, urge use of safe city sites and emergency preparedness
Summary
Monterey County fire officials warned July 1 that dry fuels and windy conditions make private fireworks especially dangerous, urged residents to use city-designated 'safe and sane' sites only where allowed, and advised calling 911 only for active fires or injuries while reporting nuisance fireworks to nonemergency numbers.
Mia, the county moderator, opened the briefing July 1 by introducing fire prevention specialist Matt Lomadoo and CAL FIRE Chief Curtis Rhodes to discuss holiday-fire risks. Matt Lomadoo, fire prevention specialist with the Monterey County Regional Fire District, said, “Please know that any fireworks that leave the ground are illegal,” and urged people to use “safe and sane” fireworks only in the city where they were purchased and on concrete surfaces.
The officials said conditions across the county are primed to carry fires rapidly. Curtis Rhodes, chief with CAL FIRE BEU, said recent vegetation fires — some linked to fireworks — have already taxed resources and that “it only takes 1 spark” to start a wildfire in the county’s dry, windy fuels. Rhodes said CAL FIRE and local sheriffs have coordinated patrols and response plans for the holiday period and urged families to attend professional fireworks shows rather than lighting private fireworks in or near rural areas.
Both officials stressed practical prevention steps: maintain defensible space around homes (clearing dead vegetation and gutters), avoid parking on or near dry grass, ensure trailer chains and vehicle exhaust systems are not dragging or emitting sparks, and sign up for Alert Monterey County for rapid wildfire notices. Matt Lomadoo advised reserving 911 for actual fires and injuries: “We do wanna call 911 if there's an actual fire, if someone's injured,” and asked residents to use city nonemergency numbers to report fireworks use so dispatch lines are not overwhelmed.
The briefing reiterated legal and enforcement points raised by staff: transport and use of fireworks outside allowed city limits can carry fines and enforcement; Matt emphasized that products should carry the State Fire Marshal’s approval stamp when purchased. The officials closed by urging education, mutual aid among neighbors—especially checking on seniors and those needing assistance—and careful travel and evacuation planning over the July 4 period.
The county recommended that residents consult their city’s nonemergency numbers for reports of fireworks, sign up for Alert Monterey County, and favor professional displays over private fireworks in high-risk or rural areas.
