To: Arroyo Grande City Council members
Ban Sale and Use of Fireworks in Arroyo Grande
Our Arroyo Grande City Council must protect its citizens. We, as citizens, respectfully demand that the City Council: Pass an ordinance to ban the sale and use of fireworks in our community.
Although the resounding boom and magical sparkle of fireworks have become a standard in almost every 4th of July celebration, the pyrotechnics are NOT safe for people, property, and pets.
Under these drought conditions, with significant fire activity throughout the State and high fire danger in the County due to an abundant grass crop, it is irresponsible to continue to permit the sale and use of fireworks in our communities.
As we have seen already throughout the state, a spark can ignite a conflagration that can quickly grow out of control. Just ask the citizens of Sonoma County, hundreds of whom lost their homes in last autumn’s fires.
A) On July 4, 2018, a Grover Beach home caught fire, injuring one and displacing five people. The family lost everything, but it could have been much worse. The mother said she had feared for their lives.
B) Neighbors have been alarmed by fireworks sparks flying into their tree and onto their rooftop, frightened that they might cause a fire.
C) Every year serious injuries are the unintentional consequence of fireworks. Additionally, the noise pollution has sent countless children and pets scurrying to hiding places. It’s not uncommon that distraught pets fleeing the loud noise injure themselves or run away and are never recovered by their owners.
D) Also, it must be noted the EPA identifies common chemicals found in fireworks, such as potassium perchlorate and barium nitrate, pose a serious health risk and an environmental hazard. Simply put, fireworks pose a risk to our health and safety.
This year’s Independence Day fireworks aftermath has been written about at length in local “Next Door” postings and on “Facebook”. Night after night of loud and dangerous fireworks that disturb the peace, destroy property, and cause loss or injury to beloved pets have pushed residents to the limit.
Most of San Luis Obispo County already bans the sale and use of fireworks. It is time for Arroyo Grande City Council to step up and pass a law that protects its own citizens.
We the undersigned demand immediate action.
Although the resounding boom and magical sparkle of fireworks have become a standard in almost every 4th of July celebration, the pyrotechnics are NOT safe for people, property, and pets.
Under these drought conditions, with significant fire activity throughout the State and high fire danger in the County due to an abundant grass crop, it is irresponsible to continue to permit the sale and use of fireworks in our communities.
As we have seen already throughout the state, a spark can ignite a conflagration that can quickly grow out of control. Just ask the citizens of Sonoma County, hundreds of whom lost their homes in last autumn’s fires.
A) On July 4, 2018, a Grover Beach home caught fire, injuring one and displacing five people. The family lost everything, but it could have been much worse. The mother said she had feared for their lives.
B) Neighbors have been alarmed by fireworks sparks flying into their tree and onto their rooftop, frightened that they might cause a fire.
C) Every year serious injuries are the unintentional consequence of fireworks. Additionally, the noise pollution has sent countless children and pets scurrying to hiding places. It’s not uncommon that distraught pets fleeing the loud noise injure themselves or run away and are never recovered by their owners.
D) Also, it must be noted the EPA identifies common chemicals found in fireworks, such as potassium perchlorate and barium nitrate, pose a serious health risk and an environmental hazard. Simply put, fireworks pose a risk to our health and safety.
This year’s Independence Day fireworks aftermath has been written about at length in local “Next Door” postings and on “Facebook”. Night after night of loud and dangerous fireworks that disturb the peace, destroy property, and cause loss or injury to beloved pets have pushed residents to the limit.
Most of San Luis Obispo County already bans the sale and use of fireworks. It is time for Arroyo Grande City Council to step up and pass a law that protects its own citizens.
We the undersigned demand immediate action.
Why is this important?
Fire danger is real and it is irresponsible to permit the sale and use of fireworks in our community.