Celebrate- Safe and Sane this Independence Day

press release

As the City of Dixon prepares for the upcoming July Fourth Holiday, the Dixon Fire Department and Dixon Police Department want to remind the citizens and visitors to use their fireworks in a safe and sane manner.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the sale and use of State Fire Marshal approved fireworks is allowed in the Dixon City Limits. With this change in the City ordinance, allowing the use of safe and sane fireworks, Fire Chief Aaron McAlister wants to remind the public that, “There are still some limits to the use of the fireworks in the City.”

He reminds the citizens that they may not use their fireworks in any City park, or other City property. In addition to City Property, all fireworks are prohibited on the May Fair Grounds. McAlister continues, “You may use the fireworks from June 28 to July 6 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.”

The fire department also wants to remind people that safe and sane fireworks have only been legalized for sale and use in the City limits. Any use of any fireworks is illegal outside of the City limits.

Any fireworks that do not have the Fire Marshal seal of approval, or any fireworks that leave the ground or explode, are dangerous and illegal.

“Even the safe and sane fireworks can be dangerous if misused or altered from their original form”, McAlister said. “Every year there are documented cases of injuries and fires started by the use of safe and sane fireworks.”
The residents of Dixon will see enhanced enforcement effort in the community during the holiday from both the Dixon Police and Fire Departments. The recently-enacted ordinance will be strictly enforced.

Penalties range from monetary fines to criminal prosecution.

The Fire Department encourages citizens to prepare and celebrate safely; only adults should use fireworks and they should have a hose or bucket of water ready to cool off the used fireworks. Additionally, you should not use fireworks in or near dry vegetation, or near any buildings. Report all emergencies by calling 9-1-1.