Amador County - California is now in the middle of its third year of a drought and recent warm temperatures increase fire danger even more. In preparation for the holiday weekend, local law enforcement, CALFIRE and firefighting agencies are working together to seize illegal fireworks and prosecute those found in possession of them. Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 839, which took effect Jan. 1, 2008 establishing harsher penalties for those who buy and sell illegal fireworks. Those convicted could be fined up to $50,000 and/or sent to prison or jail for up to one year. “Illegal fireworks pose a major danger to Californian’s safety,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “We will not tolerate the use or sale of illegal fireworks here in California.” In over 270 communities in the state, safe and sane fireworks are permitted. State fire officials want to remind those who choose to purchase legal fireworks this year, to make sure they purchase only those with the “Safe and Sane” State Fire Marshal seal. Staff Report This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.