LAKEPORT, Calif. – As July 4 approaches, the Lakeport Police Department is providing citizens with important information for those who wish to attend the city's celebration event. 

As in the previous years, the city of Lakeport is allowing the sale and use of safe and sane fireworks within the incorporated area of Lakeport. 

Any person who wishes to purchase and use safe and sane fireworks are strongly encouraged to adhere to the following dates, times and locations for discharging the fireworks.

Dates and hours of discharge

– July 1: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

– July 2: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

– July 3: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

– July 4: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Designated places for discharge

All safe and sane fireworks are permitted on any street within the incorporated area of Lakeport from July 1 through the 4, which does not violate section 5.30.180B, which states: “It is unlawful for any person to ignite, discharge, project or otherwise fire or use any safe and sane firework, or permit the ignition, discharge or projection upon or over or onto another’s property without his/her permission or within 10 feet of any residence, dwelling or other structure used as a place of habitation by human beings.”

Discharge of safe and sane fireworks will be permitted on Fourth Street during the July 4 event. The location will be cordoned off by barrier tape and will be in the 50 block of Fourth Street. 

The Lakeport Police Department said law enforcement does not have the authority to permit the use of fireworks on any private property such as the Safeway parking lot, Kmart parking lot, Nylander Center parking lot, Shoreline Center parking lot and Vista Point parking lot.

Citizens should use extreme caution when discharging safe and sane fireworks as the city is experiencing a very dry season.

Rules pertaining to alcohol

Alcohol will be permitted by persons in the parklands during the July 4 event between the hours of 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. 

The event has been issued a “special permit” for alcohol consumption with certain restrictions which are listed below. These restrictions are in place as a precautionary measure to protect public safety, damage to city property or private property and to protect any and all persons in attendance. 

Failure to abide by these conditions may result criminal actions, the immediate suspension of the alcohol permit and possible forfeiture of future special events in the city of Lakeport.

 Alcohol restrictions include the following: 

– No kegs or other large alcohol storage/dispensing containers.

– No glass containers.

– No sales of alcohol will be allowed.

– Public Intoxication is prohibited.

Other important reminders

Noise restrictions include no amplified music outside of facility or event location.

Park lands will be closed between midnight and 6 a.m. Obey all posted rules and regulations.

Annually, the July 4 event draws a large crowd of people to the parklands thus, causing safety concerns. 

The Lakeport Police Department has set up a public information cellular telephone text alert function through Nixle to provide public safety alerts, other important information, such as lost children, safety concerns, street closures or location information for the safe and sane discharge area to members of the public who are attending the activities during the event. 

In order to receive these important public information text messages, members of the public can opt-in by texting the word fireworks to 888777.

The Lakeport Police Department will have a command post set up in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St., during the event for those who wish to stop by or who have questions.