Town of Yucca Valley gives statement on fireworks planned for Independence Day celebration
The use of fireworks at Friday’s Yucca Valley High School commencement has some residents questioning whether firework shows are a risk worth taking, especially during dry seasons where high winds can spread flames quickly. The five-acre fire during Friday’s commencement celebration was determined by the San Bernardino Country Fire Department to be caused by the fireworks display, although the exact sequence of events that lead up to the fire has yet to be determined.
We reached out the Town of Yucca Valley for clarification on professional pyrotechnic shows like the ones put on by the Morongo Unified School District (MUSD) and the Town. Town Manager Curtis Yakimow responded via email on Sunday (6/7) with some answers.
MUSD responsible for operation of fireworks
We asked if the Town has any hand in the operation of pyrotechnic shows put on by the MUSD. Yakimow says that “As an agency of the state, California school districts, including MUSD, typically operate outside of the regulatory framework of municipalities. We are not able to speak to the planning or delivery of their events and would direct you to the District for any specific questions.”
Z107.7 News has reached out to the MUSD for more details on the pyrotechnic operator for the show, along with who ultimately authorized the show to move forward. While fireworks were confirmed to be the cause, the manner in which the fireworks actually ignited the fire is still undetermined. Some witnesses at Friday’s event described a “malfunction” and a rocket that appeared to detonate closer to the ground than other typical fireworks displays.
Residents on social media and at the scene of Friday’s fire questioned the safety of using fireworks on a night with 10 to 15 mile-per-hour winds.
Town will launch fireworks July 3rd
When asked about the Town’s Independence Day celebration, Town Manager Yakimow described the due-diligence that Town Staff put behind pyrotechnic displays.
“The Town’s firework celebration has been a staple community event for over 30 years and has been established to follow well-refined Standard Operating Procedures. In general, those procedures are developed and reviewed in collaboration and coordination with our Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department, the Office of the Fire Marshall, Town public works, the vendor, and the Town’s Community Services team.
“Logistics are developed, reviewed and approved by the team, including launch areas, drop zones, set-up/tear down protocols, EMS standards, traffic circulation, emergency operations, and other necessary standards. The Town planning team meets regularly in the months and weeks leading up to the event and includes an after-action team meeting to discuss/review the event and any recommended modifications.
“Technical launch standards and decision making typically rests with the Office of the Fire Marshall and the operator following established / approved standards and protocols.
“We look forward to delivering a safe and fun community event as has been Town tradition for many years.”
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