ONTARIO, CA (July 1, 2013)–In May 2007, the Ontario City Council enacted an ordinance that reaffirmed the existing Ontario Municipal Code prohibiting fireworks and declared fireworks within the City of Ontario a nuisance, carrying a $1000 fine. This fine is in addition to any other civil penalty, criminal prosecution or fine. This includes Safe and Sane Fireworks that are sold in neighboring communities, such as Chino and Fontana. Persons caught possessing and/or using fireworks will have their fireworks confiscated and destroyed. Possession and use of any type of fireworks within Ontario is illegal and is prohibited unless a permit to use, transport, or store fireworks or explosives is obtained from the Ontario Fire Department. Only state-licensed pyrotechnicians will be issued permits.
Possession of explosives, destructive devices and components to make these devices are prohibited. Devices such as M-80’s and “dry-ice” bombs are extremely dangerous and are classified as explosives and/or destructive devices. Persons caught possessing or using these will be arrested and prosecuted. Persons convicted of charges relating to these offenses may face mandatory jail and or prison. The same laws apply to altering Safe and Sane Fireworks to explode.
Any person that starts a fire, regardless of size, from the use of fireworks may be prosecuted, assessed fines, and be required to pay restitution for any fire damage and cost recovery for Ontario Fire Department firefighting and investigation. Parents are reminded that they are responsible for any damages caused by their children using fireworks, in addition to any criminal prosecution.
The City of Ontario is sponsoring a free fireworks display at Westwind Park beginning at approximately 9 PM on July 4. In addition to the free fireworks display in the evening, the City of Ontario is also sponsoring a variety of other Fourth of July events and activities, including; Independence Day Parade, the “Blast from the Past” Bandstand, and the All-States Picnic. More information on these events is available on the City’s website at www.ci.ontario.ca.us under the Parks and Recreation tab.
The Ontario Fire Department wants everyone to enjoy a safe Fourth of July and encourages citizens to take advantage of the numerous public fireworks displays throughout Southern California instead of using illegal and dangerous fireworks.
For more information call the Ontario Fire Prevention Bureau at (909) 395-2029. A list of frequently asked questions about fireworks is available at www.ci.ontario.ca.us. To report illegal fireworks activity call (909) 983-5911.