Safe 4th of July – from Inyo Sheriff

With the upcoming 4th of July celebration, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to be safe and recreate responsibly – here are some important tips to keep in mind:

It is a criminal offense to possess or use any firework not certified to be “safe and sane”; there will be strict enforcement with undercover vehicles and deputies looking for any violators.

Be responsible – use “safe and sane” fireworks only in designated areas, and always have water and a shovel available.
Do not drink excessively and use fireworks.
An adult should always supervise the use of fireworks.

Make sure all fireworks are “dead out” and disposed of properly as directed on the packaging. “We have heightened fire danger this year, and I’m hoping that we can celebrate the 4th with family and friends safely,” stated Sheriff Bill Lutze.

Please contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately if any potential fire threat is witnessed; 760-878-0383.

 

Safety message from Mono Sheriff –

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Mono County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind everyone to think safety first while enjoying your holiday activities throughout Mono County.

Pursuant to Mono County Code Section 10.18, the use or discharge of fireworks, including safe and sane fireworks, are prohibited, expect for in designated areas, within the county. If you are using fireworks of any kind in a designated area, please remember to read and follow all instructions, have water and a fire extinguisher readily available, and always supervise children.

As you enjoy your campouts and family BBQ’s, please remember with the extremely dry conditions, to use extreme caution with your campfires and grills. Only light fires and grills in designated areas, never leave a fire or grill burning unattended, and always have plenty of water and a fire extinguisher available.

The Fourth of July holiday is a time to celebrate. As you enjoy your celebrations and parties, please remember to have a designated driver. Keep the many travelers of the Mono County roadways safe – please do not drink and drive.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Department would like to wish everyone a very fun and safe Fourth of July!
(Prepared and written by: Jennifer Hansen, Public Information Officer)

And, from the Town of Mammoth Lakes –

TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES TO HOST THE FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR AT CROWLEY LAKE
Mammoth Lakes, CA – The Town of Mammoth Lakes has scheduled the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 once again at Crowley Lake. This year’s fireworks show promises to be a bright and striking display of color in the Eastern Sierra night sky. High Definition Fireworks (HD) are set to go off at approximately 9:15 p.m., weather permitting, and are scheduled to last for 20 minutes.

Since incorporating in 1984, the Town of Mammoth Lakes has been celebrating Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show. The Town contracts Pyro Spectaculars by Souza to light up the sky above Crowley Lake. Souza is well known for doing some of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in the world. Most recently Souza produced the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Fireworks Celebration. Their wall of fame also includes the Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular in New York City, the 2002 & 2004 Olympics, and the nightly shows at Disneyland and Disney World.

At the annual Crowley Lake Fourth of July fireworks show, 662 shells will be propelled into the Eastern Sierra sky for a mesmerizing 20 minutes of jaw-dropping amazement. A whopping 450 shells will be shot off during the main show, including 100 pyrotechnic shells. The Grand Finale includes over 200 designer rockets.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes would like to recognize the Elkus family as a special sponsor of this year’s Fourth of the July fireworks display.

Prior to the spectacular fireworks show, kick back on the Crowley Lake Fish Camp lawn and enjoy the “Eastside Five” playing from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Hot Chicks Rotisserie will also be serving tasty BBQ meals and beverages from 4:00 p.m., and the Crowley Lake Fish Camp convenience store will be open until 7:00 p.m. selling soda, ice cream, and snack items.

Admission to the Fourth of July Fireworks Show is $25.00 per car, RV, or truck, and $5.00 per individual/bike (walking/riding).
Camp permitting at Crowley Lake Fish Camp for the Fourth of July begins Tuesday, July 3, 2012 and ends Sunday, July 8, 2012. The entire lake shore at the South Landing of Crowley Lake is open for camping, and the fee is $125 per vehicle including the fireworks show for the 5-days. The North Landing/North Shore of Crowley Lake will be closed beginning 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, thru 12:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012.
To ensure a safe holiday experience for everyone, please observe the following:
▪    No personal fireworks are permitted within Mono County. Be smart; leave the fireworks to the professionals!
▪    Please obey road closure and no parking signs. No parking will be allowed along Highway 395 or Crowley Lake Drive at any time. Do not park in fire lanes.
▪    The Mono County Sheriff’s Department will be patrolling on Crowley Lake. Do not boat within 100 yards of the fireworks detonation site at Hilton Bay.
▪    Help us keep Mono County clean. Please use designated trash facilities. ▪    Do not drink and drive. Please use a designated driver or plan to camp at
Crowley Lake Fish Camp.
Please enjoy our national holiday in a safe and responsible manner. For more information, please contact the Town of Mammoth Lakes Recreation Department at (760) 934-8989 ext. 222, or visit www.ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us.
A Reminder: No Fireworks Allowed
on the Inyo National Forest or Bishop BLM Public Lands

Inyo National Forest Supervisor Ed Armenta and Bishop BLM Area Manager Bernadette  Lovato want to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of all fireworks is prohibited on all national forests and BLM public lands across the country.

Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on national forest and BLM lands, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.  Regulations are enforced, and violations could be punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Both the Inyo National Forest and Bishop BLM have just enacted fire restrictions due to the extreme fire conditions that we are experiencing.  All visitors to public lands are reminded to use extreme care with fire and for legal campfires in designated areas, to ensure that all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them.  As of June 25, all campfires, briquette barbeques, and stove fires are not allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas.  A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at local Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers, and on the Inyo National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/inyo or  the BLM website,  www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bishop.html.

Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at any Ranger Station or Visitor Center) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

For further information, please call Debra Hein at (760) 872-5057 or Nancy Upham at (760) 873-2427.