Fireworks Go on Sale in Dublin

The sale of fireworks is an annual tradition in Dublin, and those brightly decorated sales booths are easy to spot around town.

The Alameda County Fire Department has inspected the fireworks booths and signed off for sales to begin Tuesday at noon, according to department spokeswoman Aisha Knowles.

Dublin is the only city in the Tri-Valley that allows the sale and use of fireworks designated as "safe." The only other Alameda County cities that permit fireworks are Newark and Union City. 

Contra Costa County is a "fireworks-free-zone," meaning the sale, possession or use of fireworks of all types and sizes (including "safe" fireworks) are banned in the county, its cities and its unincorporated areas.

The booths selling fireworks in Dublin benefit the , and other local non-profits. 

The City of Dublin has designated three parks where the use of "safe and sane" fireworks will be permitted between  10 a.m. and 10 p.m. only on July 4. (So if you live outside of Dublin, don't buy fireworks and take them home — set them off at a Dublin park.)

The parks include , and . 

According to a recent press release, "The Alameda County Fire Department enforces a 'zero tolerance' policy as it relates to sales, possession and use of illegal fireworks."

The release continued to note, "Remember, any firework that flies in the air, darts across the ground or explodes is considered illegal in California. If it doesn't have the California State Fire Marshal seal on the packaging, it's illegal. The Fire Department utilizes fire investigators to aggressively enforce fireworks laws."

A Livermore man was killed in 2005 using illegal fireworks.  Jason Wilkins, a 36-year-old father of three, was lighting a device intended for use as an aerial firework.

It's important to remember that even safe fireworks such as sparklers can get hot enough to cause burns and light fires. Read what one East Bay blogger learned the hard way. (Click here.)

If you have any questions regarding fire prevention, call 925-833-6606.

To report the use of any illegal fireworks, call the Dublin Police at 925-462-1212.