In fact, it was just such a fireworks device that task force members used to light Tuesday's small fire in the 500 block of Orange Drive. On the Fourth, the task force will have a team of firefighters and law enforcement officers on patrol for illegal fireworks, said Solano County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Thomas Ferrara. Residents caught with fireworks will have them confiscated. If residents are not cooperative, they can also be cited for a misdemeanor offense and will be prosecuted, said Ferrara. The task force is hoping that education will prevent the need for citations to be issued, Ferrara added.
Citizens can also voluntarily take fireworks to any participating fire station in the county.
Tuesday's demonstration was designed to help educate local residents about the dangers and consequence of fireworks, Ringelman said. On Independence Day, residents can report fireworks to the task force's command post at 449-5200 but are reminded to report actual fires by calling 911. There are plenty of legal shows for residents to enjoy if they want to see fireworks, Ringelman noted. The task force is made up of representatives from the police and fire departments of the cities of Vacaville and Dixon, the Vacaville Fire Protection District, the Solano County Sheriff's Office, the Solano County District Attorney's Office, Solano County Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Highway Patrol. The group's focus moved to the north county area after children playing with fireworks ignited a blaze in 1999 that scorched thousands of acres north of Vacaville.