As we gear up for our annual 4th of July celebrations next Thursday, we understand the heightened concerns surrounding fire safety, particularly in the wake of the recent Point Fire in mid-June. Your safety remains our top priority, and we want to address these concerns with transparency and assurance.
Below, you will find a letter from the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (SVFA), organizers and sponsors of our annual fireworks show, detailing the comprehensive safety measures in place.
A Letter from the Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters’ Association
June 28, 2024 – We are writing to assure you of the safety measures in place for our annual fireworks show, a cherished tradition that has been celebrated in our community for the past 50 years. Despite periods of drought and high wildfire seasons, our event has always been conducted with the utmost regard for safety and regulatory compliance.
The launch site for the fireworks is primarily comprised of annual grasses that seasonally die off before July. This natural cycle means that drought conditions and high fire risk do not significantly impact the safety of our event. To further mitigate any potential risks, the area around the launch site is thoroughly wetted down prior to the show. Additionally, multiple fire engines will be stationed at the launch site, fully staffed and ready to respond to any situation that might arise. This precaution ensures an extra layer of safety for both the event and the surrounding community.
It is also important to note that all regular Sonoma Valley Fire District stations will remain fully staffed and operational, ready to respond to any other emergencies during the fireworks display. The annual fireworks display is not only a permitted event but is also regulated by the California State Fire Marshal. A licensed pyrotechnic professional will oversee the launch, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols.
Our commitment to safety is unwavering, and the event will be canceled if it is deemed unsafe to proceed. The California State Fire Marshal’s office has consistently praised the Sonoma Volunteer’s fireworks shows for their exemplary safety standards. In fact, our show has been cited as a model for other communities across the state.
Furthermore, local data supports that a well-regulated and permitted fireworks demonstration significantly reduces the incidence of illegal fireworks usage and associated uncontrolled fires, calls for service, and firework-related arson. By providing a safe, controlled environment for fireworks, we help lessen the overall fire risk in our community.
We hope this information provides reassurance regarding the safety measures in place for our annual fireworks display. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Please call (707)933-2306.
Sonoma Volunteer Firefighters’ Association
For more information or to donate, click on the following link: www.sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org.