Young children are attracted to fire and to fire setting. Curiosity about fire is quite normal for children. They often show this interest when they light small fires or play with matches. Children like to imitate adults who light cigarettes, candles and fireplaces.
Please teach your children some rules about match safety:
- Matches found at home should be given to an adult.
- Matches found at school should be given to the teacher.
- Matches should be taken away from little children and given to an adult.
- Report fires to an adult and ask them to call the fire department.
By educating children about fires, we can reduce the incident of injury and damage due to children playing with matches.
Illegal Fireworks: Any item that explodes, rises in the air or moves about the ground is illegal in California. The most common examples are firecrackers, M-80s, bottle or skyrockets, roman candles and chasers.
Note to Parents: The sale and use of Safe and Sane fireworks in your community is prohibited by local ordinance (check with your local fire prevention). If they are allowed, Safe and Sane fireworks can only be purchased from a State Fire Marshal licensed retail stand from noon on June 28th to noon on July 6th. If your child has any fireworks prior to June 28th, the items are probably illegal and dangerous and should be turned over to your fire department! Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
It is strongly recommended that citizens attend community-sponsored professional fireworks displays, rather than use their own. If your local jurisdiction allows Safe and Sane fireworks, the following rules need to be followed to use them safely:
- Always read directions and use common sense.
- Have an adult present.
- Use outdoors only – away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.
- Light one at a time, then move away quickly.
- Keep others at a safe distance.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never alter or take apart.
- Do not give to young children under any circumstances.
- Have a bucket of water handy for emergencies and for dousing misfired and spent fireworks.
- Never attempt to relight or fix malfunctioning fireworks.
During the summer the risk of fire is everywhere if it's matches, fireworks, campfires or BBQ's. Here is a link that can help keep you fire safe this summer. If you have any questions please direct them to the Albany Fire Department Fire Prevention at 510-528-5775.