Fireworks: Where is it LEGAL? & Tips On What to Do About ILLEGAL Ones

• Chamber of Commerce, 502 Ventura St; 
• Christian Praise Assembly, 572 W. Ventura St; 
• Fillmore Citizen Patrol, W of 725 W. Ventura St (in front of Dollar Tree);
• Fillmore Flashes Regiment Booster Club, Inc., 446 Ventura St;
• Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters, SE Corner Ventura St & A St (Balden Town Plaza); 
• Fillmore Historical Museum, 725 Ventura St (Super A Foods Center); (confirmed 2017)
• Fillmore Raiders Football, corner 126 and Central Ave (confirmed 2017)
• Fillmore Rotary Club, SW Corner of E St & Ventura St; 
• Fillmore Senior Center, Inc., 251 E. Telegraph Rd (Vacant Property);
• Fillmore Youth Agriculture Center, Inc., 513 Ventura St; 
• First Assembly of God Church, 736 Ventura St; 
• Future Farmers of America (FFA) Booster Club, Lot #14 E. Telegraph Rd/126;
• Girls Softball, 251 Telegraph Rd;
• Heritage Valley Blazers, E of Sec A St & Ventura St next to Rite Aid;
• Lions Club, 1462 W. Ventura St; 
• Roping Club, Inc., 1149 W Ventura St (East end of empty lot); 
• Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society, 131 E Telegraph Rd; 
• Santa Clara Valley Grange, 847 Ventura St (B St & 126); 
• Search & Rescue, NW Corner of Los Serenos & Ventura St; 
• So Cal Youth Football, 613 Ventura St (Papa Loys); 
• St Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W Ventura St; 
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 9637), 1024 Ventura St;
• Victory Outreach, 1145 Ventura St;
• Women’s Service Club, corner 126 and C Street (confirmed 2017)

Each year, the Port Hueneme Police Department receives hundreds of complaints regarding illegal fireworks on July 4th, and the days leading to the Fourth of July. The complaints range from pets that are extremely frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks, to veterans who suffer an adverse reaction to fireworks. Each year and despite warnings, fireworks account for numerous fires as well as physical injuries to citizens across the County of Ventura. In the City of Port Hueneme, All fireworks are prohibited.

The Police Department has tried a variety of strategies over the years, from public information campaigns, to a zero tolerance approach and heavy enforcement. Each of these efforts has had limited effect. On years when we tried the educational approach, we were criticized for not doing enough enforcement. On years were we tried the enforcement approach, we were accused of being heavy handed and “un-American”!

Along with education and enforcement, we are encouraging residents to contact our tip-line via phone or email so we can focus our efforts on repeat fireworks offenders. You can email your complaints regarding illegal fireworks to: fireworks@cityofporthueneme.org or by calling (805) 986-6539. Your information will remain confidential. We will be contacting those offenders/locations and advising them we will be focusing on fireworks activity in their neighborhood. The fine for possession, sales, and setting off illegal fireworks starts at $1000 and may result in arrest. Help us out by talking to your neighbors and sharing this message with family and friends.

This year we will have additional Police Department staff to focus on fireworks related complaints. Emphasis will be placed upon seizing fireworks and citing those who possess or sell them in the City of Port Hueneme, especially our beautiful beaches. Our goal has always been, and will continue to be, voluntary compliance with the law. Unfortunately, our resources should be spent elsewhere but this continues to be a significant quality of life issue which our residents are passionate about.

We live in a community which centers around a military installation. Many of these military veterans have retired in our beautiful community and call the City of Port Hueneme their home. Many of our veterans have valiantly served in our armed forces and we are asking people to be considerate of the emotional distress that may be caused by the use fireworks.
We have also created a webpage which recites this very same information and also reminds our citizens of the different methods available to report the illegal use of fireworks in our city. The webpage also lists the specific city ordinances and State of California Penal Code violations along with tips to protect your pets. You can find this page at www.cityofporthueneme.org under the Police Department Links page.

1. Do not take your pet to fireworks displays. 
2. Do not leave your pet alone in the car - Pets can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes when left in a hot car. Unfortunately, partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they can provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3. Make sure your pets are properly licensed and wearing identification tags, so that if they become lost, they can be returned promptly. Make sure that tags have current phone numbers and VCAS has current owner contact information on file.
4. Get your pet microchipped or, if it already is, make sure the microchip company has your current contact information.
5. Animals found running at-large should be taken to a VCAS animal adoption center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. 
6. Keep your pets in a comfortable and quiet area during Fourth of July festivities. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice.
7. Be sure that you remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company if you won't be home.
8. If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space, let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, leave them there.
9. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
10. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder or fireworks, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays. 

The safest and most enjoyable way to celebrate Independence Day is at a public fireworks show. Many cities will have professional fireworks shows starting at about dusk.
 Camarillo- Camarillo High School at 9 p.m.

 City of Ventura- Ventura College Athletic Field at 9 p.m.

 Thousand Oaks  - Hillcrest Center of the Arts, Janss Mall and The Oaks Parking Lot at 9 p.m.

 Moorpark- Arroyo Vista Park at 9 p.m. (on July 3)

 Simi Valley- Rancho Santa Susana Community Park at 9:00 p.m.

 Channel Islands- Channel Islands Harbor at 9 p.m.

 Ojai- Nordhoff High School Stadium at 9:15p.m.

 Westlake- Westlake Village Golf Course Driving Range at 9:10 p.m.

 Calabasas- Calabasas High School at 9p.m