Fireworks in Salinas might be going the way of styrofoam containers.
City Council will consider a recommendation Tuesday Aug. 5 that they phase out their own "safe and sane" fireworks program, originally launched as a pilot in 2009, due to a series of dangerous incidents connected with fireworks last month.
Salinas Fire Chief Eddie Rodriguez recommends phasing out fireworks over two years.
The Salinas Fire Department responded to 70 fireworks-related incidents over Fourth of July weekend, including three dumpster fires, a wildland fire and one structure fire.
Rodriguez' report to council describes what sounds like a fun holiday scene, block parties fueled by alcohol.
But SFD's efforts to make the Fourth of July social scene safer failed. Early this year, city officials held several meetings with neighborhood associations and encouraged them to apply for city-issued block permits; none did.
Big crowds make it nearly impossible for firefighters to identify the perpetrator, Rodriguez adds. Smoke and "hostile crowds" add to their challenge.
Salinas Police report that at least one murder investigation this summer was slowed down by the sound of fireworks, which obscure the sound of gunshots.
The safe and sane fireworks program limits the quantity of fireworks, allowing nonprofits to fundraise through the sales; this year, nonprofits raised $400,000 from fireworks sales.
The city made about $48,000 from a surcharge, but spent nearly $35,000 on additional fire and police department staffing. (Rodriguez also recommends upping the city's surcharge for the next two years, during the fireworks phase-out, to help cover the cost of more staffing.)