Burn bans issued for 3 Bay Area counties ahead of holiday weekend

DUBLIN, Calif. (KGO) -- New rules take effect in Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties with regard to what you can burn around your home.

The burn ban, which takes effect on Monday, are designed to minimize the summer wildfire risk during this drought and the 4th of July week.

Firefighters are asking people to be on high alert, especially as fireworks sales get underway and as the hot weather could also create some dangerous conditions.

Fires have already started blackening hillsides in Antioch and Livermore, and firefighters expect more given the dry conditions.

PHOTOS: Brush fire burns near Contra Loma Regional Park

"We are anticipating a busy weekend over the Fourth," said Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Captain Aaron Lacey.

Firefighters say Cal Fire's burn ban will help, but they need everyone to be extra vigilant.

"For the most part, we are trying to encourage that people clear brush around their house, be careful of the hot weather and stay hydrated," said Capt. Lacey.

Volunteers at fireworks stands in Dublin say they will also do their part to push safety.

"We are recommending having a bucket of water nearby and to use fireworks away from the house, shrubs and grass," said volunteer Lee Carpenter.

These fireworks are legal in Dublin and are carefully monitored. But they're also big fundraisers for groups like schools.

"One year we raised over $40,000 and got new band uniforms. So, it can be lucrative if it's at a good location," explained Carpenter.

Volunteers expect this year to be busy and many plan to stay open late on the Saturday, July 4, because they know people will come back at night to buy more fireworks after shooting off fireworks earlier in the evening.

For complete list of laws and regulations for transporting, storing and using fireworks in California, click here.

4th of July fireworks displays are happening all over the Bay Area. From parades to concerts, check out what is going on near you or explore events in other counties.

Prepare NorCal: Disaster preparedness resources

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