Less than a month away from the 4th of July, it’s that time of year where many have to ask the question, ‘were those gunshots fireworks I just heard?’
Officials with the San Luis Obispo County Fire Department say firework use tends to pick up at the end of the school year to Independence Day weekend.
This weekend, residents of Lompoc reported several shootings. Police told KSBY the incidents turned out to be fireworks.
Not only can illegal firework use cause stress to those living with PTSD, it creates an extreme fire danger.
Using fireworks is illegal in San Luis Obispo City limits and they can cause a lot of damage.
"Since 2006, there have been over 12,000 injuries caused by fireworks and approximately 45,000 fires started by fireworks. Whether that is a safe and sane firework or an illegal firework, it makes no difference when it comes to harming people or starting fires," said Captain Matt Callahan with the San Luis Obispo City Fire Department.
Residents can be held liable for those damages if it’s determined you or your child’s firework sparked a fire, which could result in millions of dollars in fines.
San Luis Obispo City Fire officials say fireworks are only allowed in the city when a permit is issued and they’re there for fire control.
