By Aaron McAlister, City of Dixon Fire Chief
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.
The sale and use of Safe and Sane, State Fire Marshal approved fireworks is
allowed in the Dixon City limits. 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 most City Park
areas, 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 noon June 28 to July 6 between 9:00 A.M. and 11: 00 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.”
New this year are two designated discharge areas. In Hall Park, the infield of
softball field number two, near the skate park, has been designated as a
permissible discharge area. A metal dumpster has been provided for the
disposal of expended fireworks. In Northwest Park, the basketball court has also
been designated as a discharge area. A metal dumpster has also been provided
as this location. These publicly available areas are intended to provide the public
a safe area to use fireworks, free of traffic or other hazards. These two identified
areas are the only areas in City Parks that are permissible for the discharge of
fireworks.
