This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/04/california-drought-fireworks-cancelled-independence-day

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
California fireworks hopes doused by lack of water amid drought Independence Day fireworks doused by lack of water in California drought
(35 minutes later)
On Saturday, some drought-stricken areas in California were faced with celebrating the Fourth of July without the traditional fireworks.On Saturday, some drought-stricken areas in California were faced with celebrating the Fourth of July without the traditional fireworks.
With efforts to reduce water consumption under way and extreme drought drying out nearby land, many areas not only cancelled official firework displays but also sought to crack down on residents seeking to set off their own.With efforts to reduce water consumption under way and extreme drought drying out nearby land, many areas not only cancelled official firework displays but also sought to crack down on residents seeking to set off their own.
Related: California conservation efforts cut water use by 29%Related: California conservation efforts cut water use by 29%
“There’s two really big family events, and that’s Fourth of July fireworks and Santa Claus,” Rick Kitson, public affairs director of the city of Cupertino, told KPIX 5. “We hate losing fireworks.”“There’s two really big family events, and that’s Fourth of July fireworks and Santa Claus,” Rick Kitson, public affairs director of the city of Cupertino, told KPIX 5. “We hate losing fireworks.”
Cupertino’s annual $75,000 Fourth of July firework display requires about 100,000 gallons of water to be sprayed on the school sports fields from which it is launched, to prevent damage to the synthetic turf.Cupertino’s annual $75,000 Fourth of July firework display requires about 100,000 gallons of water to be sprayed on the school sports fields from which it is launched, to prevent damage to the synthetic turf.
“Everyone felt very uncomfortable about that,” Kitson said in an interview with the New York Times. “That seemed to be not quite defensible. Adding insult to injury, [the water] was all perfectly drinkable.”“Everyone felt very uncomfortable about that,” Kitson said in an interview with the New York Times. “That seemed to be not quite defensible. Adding insult to injury, [the water] was all perfectly drinkable.”
Cupertino was not the only Californian town going without fireworks, and drought was not the only reason. In Cambria, officials were concerned about fire.Cupertino was not the only Californian town going without fireworks, and drought was not the only reason. In Cambria, officials were concerned about fire.
“I received the application to do the fireworks show, and it just didn’t make any sense at all,” said Mark Miller, the local fire chief. “There’s no way we could justify having fireworks. This is a cute little town with a big, ugly fire problem right now.”“I received the application to do the fireworks show, and it just didn’t make any sense at all,” said Mark Miller, the local fire chief. “There’s no way we could justify having fireworks. This is a cute little town with a big, ugly fire problem right now.”
In Fairfield, city officials closed the parks on Independence Day.In Fairfield, city officials closed the parks on Independence Day.
“It’s starting to dry out and because we are a heavy, gusty, windy area, it tends to dry out the fuels a lot faster than other areas,” said deputy fire chief Jorge Merodio. Concerned officials determined that individual fireworks used by residents could spark a fire.“It’s starting to dry out and because we are a heavy, gusty, windy area, it tends to dry out the fuels a lot faster than other areas,” said deputy fire chief Jorge Merodio. Concerned officials determined that individual fireworks used by residents could spark a fire.
Bass Lake and Don Pedro Lake also cancelled their fireworks.Bass Lake and Don Pedro Lake also cancelled their fireworks.
In Santa Clara, officials decided to hold property owners accountable for any fireworks discharged on their property. First-time offenders would face a $350 fine; a second offense would cost $700 and a third $1,000. Property owners who were not aware their properties were being used to launch fireworks would get away with a warning.In Santa Clara, officials decided to hold property owners accountable for any fireworks discharged on their property. First-time offenders would face a $350 fine; a second offense would cost $700 and a third $1,000. Property owners who were not aware their properties were being used to launch fireworks would get away with a warning.
“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Ken Pimlott, director of California department of forestry and fire protection. “Here in California, we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Ken Pimlott, director of California department of forestry and fire protection. “Here in California, we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”
State fire marshal Tonya Hoover said: “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks ... We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”State fire marshal Tonya Hoover said: “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks ... We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”