Page 14 - MidValleyTimes 7-4-19 E-edition

Thursday, July 4, 2019 | Fireworks elevate particulate
matter, threaten public health
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Mid Valley TiMes
Contributed
This Independence Day, Air District offi- cials remind Valley residents that July 4 fire- works can increase levels of dangerous par- ticulate matter (PM), including soot, ash and metals, which cause serious health impacts. Individuals most at risk are small children, the elderly and people with existing respira- tory conditions.
"Fireworks can cause pollution levels to rise significantly making the air dangerous for everyone to breathe," said Samir Sheikh, the Valley Air District's Executive Director/ Air Pollution Control Officer. "The harmful effects from the use of personal fireworks can be avoided by supporting local profes- sional Independence Day celebrations."
Fine particulate matter can invade the bloodstream, get deep into the lungs and has been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Each
year on the Fourth of July, air monitors across the Valley reflect spikes in PM concentra- tions, often four to five times higher than the health-based federal standards, and typically occur between the hours of 9 and 10 pm.
These spikes are due in part to personal fireworks used throughout Valley neighbor- hoods and the high levels of PM threaten the Valley's progress in meeting air-quality standards that protect public health. (An at- tached graph illustrates a typical increase in PM following fireworks).
The District's Real-time Air Advisory Network (RAAN) provides localized air qual- ity data from an extensive air-monitoring network, which allows Valley residents to track PM at any Valley address by visiting myRAAN.com or valleyair.org/myRAAN/ raan3.aspx.
For more information about the Air Dis- trict, call a regional office in Fresno 230-6000.
FIREWORKS Continued from page A1
haven’t made the enforcement of fireworks a priority this Fourth of July. And this year, the community will be able to assist the city in keeping it safe by way of the app ‘Nail ’em’.
The free app, made avail- able by TNT Fireworks (who provides the legal fireworks sold within the city), allows Dinuba residents to report any illegal activity, via the app. The app then immediately notifies the Dinuba Police Department, who in turn dispatches officers to the reported location.
Though the use of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor offense, the city of Dinuba has opted make it an administra- tive code violation under the city’s illegal fireworks ordi- nance. The city code violation, however, carries with it a fine of $1,500.
According to Chief Doyle, the possession of up to 100 pounds of illegal fireworks is normally a misdemeanor, while someone found in possession of anything over 100 pounds can be charged with a felony.
Citations are generally giv- en to those who may be caught in the act of setting off illegal fireworks, however, the city or- dinance allows city police and
Paint revitatlization
Reedley police warn of $1,000 fines for using illegal fireworks
MVP Staff Report
Reedley police reminds the public that they are sub- ject to $1,000 fines if they blow off illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July and the weekend.
State law provides for a fine of at least $1,000 and/or a year in jail upon convic- tion for violating fireworks laws. Consumer fireworks, if used in accordance with
their instructions, are very safe. You are encouraged to buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy fire- works from an individual’s house or from someone on the street.
Safety tips include keep- ing a close watch on chil- dren with sparklers, and to use fireworks in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.
fire personnel to
of the property where illegal activity is discovered.
In the past, the city Di- nuba has used the assistance of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Drone Units to moni- tor the skies for illegal aerial fireworks. Though the use of drones and the ‘Nail ’em’ app has contributed to city’s re- sponse, and increase in cita- tions, many of the notifications of illegal fireworks still come from callers from the commu- nity.
Last year, according to Chief Doyle, 15 citations for illegal fireworks were issued.
That number was just a few less than the previous year, when the city issued 19 cita- tions.
“With the amount of people using illegal fireworks,” said Doyle, “It keeps us busy.”
Citizens in Dinuba can call the Dinuba Police Department at 591-5914 to report any illegal firework activity.
“The community can call in anytime to report illegal activ- ity,” said Lt. Son. “And we will respond.”
The reporter can be reached at editor@the di- nubasentinel.com or by phone at (559) 591-4632.
cite the owner
James Schmidt painted the old Ford lettering on the building at the corner of South K and Kern streets in Dinuba. Ed Dena of Ed Dena’s Auto Center is planning on reopening the old Ford building at 124 South K St. The building, which currently holds some of Dena’s restored classic cars, may also soon be used to sell used vehicles. A public hearing was held for the conditional permit at the location at the Dinuba City Planning Commission on July 2.
Rick Curiel / Mid Valley Times
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