Fireworks Program Continues for 2019 Holiday

CATHEDRAL CITY — It is never too early to start planning for some of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the Coachella Valley — in a way that is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

To that end, the Cathedral City Fire Department will facilitate another year of Safe and Sane Fireworks sales, and enforcement of storage and discharge regulations for the 2019 Independence Day holiday.

Applications will be accepted at the Administrative Office located at 32100 Desert Vista Road beginning April 8 at 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on April 11. Applications must be submitted with a $100 non-refundable fee.

A lottery and orientation meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on, April 25 at Fire Department Headquarters, 32100 Desert Vista Road, two representatives from each approved group as outlined in the Municipal Ordinance are
required to attend the orientation meeting.

Groups that do not participate in the lottery and orientation meeting will be denied a fireworks program permit.

The Cathedral City Fire Department has long history of promoting its safe and sane Fireworks program. There is a reason.

In 2017, at least eight people died and about 12,900 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, thousands were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.

More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year. On a typical Fourth of July, fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries.

The Cathedral City Fireworks Program is open to IRS exempt organizations.  All fireworks stands must be operated by Cathedral City-based non-profit groups.  For more information, please call (760) 770-8208.

Cathedral City Firefighters want to remind you that aerial and exploding fireworks are prohibited.  Be Safe and Sane as you celebrate the July Fourth Holiday.