Sunday is the Fourth of July and with severe drought conditions this year, plus people eager to party down as the county opens back up, local law enforcement and fire departments are making a point to remind folks of what NOT to do when shooting off fireworks during this holiday weekend.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s office teamed up with CAL FIRE and First District Supervisor Rex Bohn to make the above video public service announcement on firework safety.

“llegal fireworks pose a serious threat of both causing injury and igniting wildfires,” HCSO posted on its Facebook page Thursday, along with the video. “In 2020, 1,966 fireworks-caused fires resulted in over $8 million of property loss. Help protect your community and support our local non-profits by only using certified Safe and Sane Fireworks this holiday.”

“Safe and sane” fireworks generally means fireworks that do not fly or explode and, as Bohn reminds us in the video, “that means that bottle rockets, mortars and other projectiles are illegal.”

Even when you are using legal fireworks, make sure that you choose a safe location that is not near dry vegetation, keep water nearby, soak spent fireworks before disposing of them and, of course, don’t let your kids handle fireworks.

Sheriff Honsal also reminds the public to call 911 only to report fires, injuries or other emergencies, not to report the illegal use of fireworks. To report illegal fireworks, call your local law enforcement agency. You can report illegal fireworks to HCSO at 707-445-7251.

“Over the Fourth of July weekend, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office will be out in force, especially in our driest communities, enforcing the safe use of legal fireworks,” Honsal says.