As temperatures rise and drought worsens conditions, officials are increasingly worried about fireworks displays in the Bay Area. But in the handful of cities where so-called "safe and sane" fireworks are legal, product is flying off the shelves.
Supporters of fireworks fundraisers in cities like Dublin and Gilroy argue those purchases go to support local nonprofits, everything from pop warner football teams to scout troops.
And with July 4 this weekend, sales are expected to go up even further.
"This is not the year to be playing with fireworks anywhere across this region," said Steve Hill, spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
Sales of illegal fireworks on the black market are also skyrocketing.
"The simplest of fireworks, perhaps something people might think is relatively safe – a sparkler they may hand to a child that burns thousands of degrees – dropped in dry grass can start a fire that within moments would be uncontrollable by a homeowner with a garden hose," said Hill.
In one instance just last month, an entire apartment complex in Antioch was destroyed after a resident lit off an M-80, which caught fire to dry grasses and spread to the building.
Related
