After a thoughtful, though unpopular, presentation by our departing Fire Chief, Jeff Armstrong, City Council voted to allow the continued sale and use of California approved “safe and sane” fireworks in Rio Vista for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. State unapproved and unsafe fireworks such as skyrockets or exploding munitions like firecrackers are still banned.
At the March 16th City Council Meeting, Chief Armstrong presented a Staff Report outlining options for Rio Vista to eliminate illegal fireworks within the city limits. In the past, fire department personnel patrolled city streets warning potential scofflaws that illegal fireworks can result in serious damage to nearby homes and advising them that they would be financially responsible for any damage they caused. However, fire department personnel reported being verbally abused by those who were celebrating, and the fire department has limited power to enforce or prosecute illegal acts.
One of the Chief’s suggestions was making it illegal for ANY fireworks to be sold and used within the city limits. Many California cities have already done this. But, as fireworks sales in Rio Vista help support local non-profit organizations and fund many children’s sports activities, this was not a popular idea. Residents who spoke during the meeting made it clear that this was not acceptable, or even easily enforceable. This is especially true since Rio Vista residents and visitors could still buy fireworks from nearby cities that have not banned their sale.
The City Council agreed that because of damage caused by illegal fireworks, and the difficulty enforcing restrictions, they would consider a “social host” solution. Social host liability holds that a property owner/occupant is personally and financially responsible for illegal acts committed on their property by their guests. In this instance, the resident could be held accountable for any fireworks violations and would be liable for any resulting penalties.