Fireworks forbidden in Douglas, Mono

As the Angora fire continued to rage through South Lake Tahoe this week, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office issued its annual reminder that fireworks are banned on July 4 and every other day.

"As evident by the horrific and tragic loss of homes and property from the Angora fire, our community is extremely vulnerable to wildland fire," Sgt. Tom Mezzetta said.

"With the Fourth of July approaching, Sheriff Ron Pierini and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office wish to take a moment to remind or to educate our residents and guests that the possession and setting off of fireworks in Douglas County is unlawful and will not be tolerated," Mezzetta said.

Anyone convicted of the illegal use of fireworks can be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for six months.

"There are many community firework displays planned in our area in which you can take part without the risk of criminal or civil penalties," Mezzetta said.

Mezzetta also said possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on Nevada Beach on July 4 is unlawful.

"This ordinance came about in order to reduce the many acts of drunkenness and violence associated with the use of alcohol we were experiencing on the beach," he said.

Deputies are to distribute flyers regarding the law to businesses in the off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages.

He said signs will be posed at the entrance to Nevada Beach.

"The entrance, as well as the beach itself, will have a heavy presence of law enforcement," Mezzetta said. "Any container that reasonably could contain any type of alcoholic beverage is subject to inspection and seizure."

Elks Point Road will be closed at the intersection of Highway 50 by 4:30 p.m. July 4, Mezzetta said.

The road will be open only to people who can provide proof of residence or campsite occupancy. The road will reopen after the fireworks.

Mezzetta said motorists should expect heavy traffic and delays in the casino core and Nevada Beach area. He said Lower Lake Parkway may be closed to ingress traffic after the fireworks should egress traffic dictate.

In addition to Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service adopts a "no alcohol" policy July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight for Zephyr Cove Resort and beach.

Designated areas for consumption will be established at specific locations at or near the resort.

Anyone in possession or consuming alcohol outside the established areas on federal lands is subject to a $5,000 fine.

"Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance enforcement approach for those individuals who choose to disrupt the festivities by drunkenness, quarreling, fighting or the possession of or discharge of fireworks," Mezzetta said. "A heavy law enforcement presence will be monitoring the celebrations on Nevada Beach and within the casino core."

Illegal activities include disturbing the peace, fighting, disorderly conduct such as public drunkenness, lying or sleeping on sidewalks, streets, alleys or in public places, and possession, sale or discharging fireworks.

Violations of county infractions are punishable by fines up to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Lt. Ralph Obenberger of the Mono County, Calif., Sheriff's Department, said fireworks are illegal throughout California.

"Individuals that use and discharge fireworks of any kind in the county will have the items confiscated and are also subject to citation," Obenberger said. "The only fireworks allowed within the county will be the special firework displays that are scheduled for Bridgeport and Crowley Lake on the evening of July 4."