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Before you step into your backyard and shoot off those illegal fireworks this week, you'd better think twice — someone may be watching you.
For the first time in recent memory, the California Highway Patrol will have a helicopter in the air Friday night, the Fourth of July, to help local firefighters and police officers track down people who shoot off such contraband, Union City police Chief Greg Stewart said.
"The CHP will be in the air directing us," the chief said, noting that such illegal activity can result in arrest and fines of up to $500.
Stewart joined fire chiefs from Newark and Union City, as well as other officials, Monday for a news conference at which officials stressed safety during the Independence Day season. They repeated warnings that the use of illegal fireworks — easily identifiable by their aerial or explosive nature — is dangerous, and punishable by jail time and fines.
"All it takes is one of those rockets to spark a hillside (blaze)," Union City Fire Marshal Laura Mapes said.
Sales of so-called "safe and sane" fireworks began today in Union City and last week in Newark and will continue throughout the week.
However, all fireworks, including those purchased in Newark and Union City, are prohibited in Fremont.
In addition, in Newark and Union City, residents are reminded that legal fireworks, which have the California Fire Marshal's seal of approval, may be used only on
He added that there are no public areas in either city where such items can be used, and advised people not to alter the "safe and sane" products.
Union City fire Chief Carlos Rodriguez said this commonl description of legal fireworks can be misleading.
"They are called 'safe and sane,' but use common sense," Rodriguez said.
On Monday, more than 200 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized in East Palo Alto, but local authorities said they have not found any stockpiles of the contraband this year.
"We've not found any large caches," Stewart said. "We've checked Craigslist and haven't found any for sale. (The sellers) are becoming more sophisticated."
Newark police Lt. Tom Milner said local law enforcement agencies will have extra officers on the streets enforcing all fireworks laws. "We will be fully staffed," he said.
Fireworks may be used within Union City and Newark city limits between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. today through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. July Fourth on private property.
Residents may report illegal use by calling the Union City Police Department at 510-471-1365 or Newark's hot line, 866-520-SAFE (7233). In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.
Staff writer Ben Aguirre Jr. can be reached at 510-353-7011 or baguirre@bayareanewsgroup.com.
