Imperial County Fire Department shares safe 4th of July celebration reminders

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD) share what rules you need to follow to stay safe and out of trouble this Fourth of July.

Many families and friends get together to celebrate the Fourth of July and although it is a great time, safety always comes first.

Fourth of July celebrations are almost here and the fireworks are one of the main attractions. But although they are fun to watch they can also be dangerous and sometimes even deadly.

"Obviously being safe with fireworks is our major concern. We don't want anyone to sustain any kind of injury and most injuries are preventable," said Aaron Castro with ICFD.

A local fire prevention specialist says the sale and use of fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated areas but are allowed in incorporated areas of Imperial County.

"You can use safe and sane fireworks that are approved by the state fire marshall office for use who have been labeled safe and sane to use Anything that hasn't been labeled by the State Marshalls office is considered illegal in the state of California," said Andrew Loper with ICFD.

Over on the law enforcement side, CHP says they will be doing extra patrols starting from now through the weekend.

Their main focus will be drivers who are speeding and under the influence or drugs or alcohol.

CHP says last year they cited more than 100 people for speeding during the fourth of july holiday.

"We have over a hundred-and fifty-five people that were cited for speed and about a dozen were going over one-hundred miles an hour so that is very dangerous and more people are being arrested for what they are doing so they need to slow down," said Ernesto Ruedas with CHP

CHP says it's also seen an increase of people driving faster during this time of year.