January 2019
Governor Gavin Newsom introduced his proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. As a part of the overall budget, he included an on-going $3.6 million for fireworks enforcement, education and disposal. As many of you know the funding for fireworks enforcement and disposal has varied over the decades with no long-term solution. This general fund proposal would resolve the long-standing issue of disposal of illegal and dangerous fireworks that are seized and stockpiled throughout the state. It will provide a stable, long-term funding source to support the increasing demands for fireworks education, enforcement, and disposal. The proposal will fund four positions within CAL FIRE-Office of the State Fire Marshal to assist in the enforcement and disposal efforts. Our goal is to not only collect local confiscated fireworks in a timely manner, but to provide enforcement support and assistance to regional fireworks task forces and interdiction operations. We also plan to expand our public outreach campaign and provide local agencies with additional tools and resources to educate the public on the hazards of illegal fireworks.
This proposal will require Legislative approval and that process will occur over the next several months. Your local legislator will likely welcome your input and expertise regarding the severity of the fireworks problem and the need for this permanent funding. If you should have any questions about the proposed Fireworks Management and Disposal funding please contact myself or Assistant Deputy Director Daniel Berlant (Daniel.Berlant@fire.ca.gov).
Please feel free to share this good news with your colleagues.
I thank you in advance for your support.
Mike Richwine
State Fire Marshal, Acting
CAL FIRE
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Office: (916) 568-3800
website http://osfm.fire.ca.gov