Celebrating Fourth of July in Sacramento? What to know about weather, fireworks and more
Happy Independence Day!
In Sacramento County, the Fourth of July means parades, fireworks displays and much, much more.
Whether you’re wondering which grocery stores are open, planning the perfect backyard barbecue or simply looking for something to do, The Sacramento Bee has the information you seek.
Here’s what you need to know to celebrate the holiday in the capital region:
What’s in the weather forecast for Sacramento on July 4?
Thursday is expected to be sunny and hot in the Sacramento area with the high temperatures reaching 109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds of around 6 mph are forecast in the afternoon.
At night, temperatures are expected to dip to 69 degrees with west-southwest winds up to 8 mph.
The heat wave is forecast to continue into next week, the weather service said.
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Which grocery stores, pharmacies are open for Fourth of July?
Need last-minute groceries? Party supplies?
Although some Sacramento-area businesses will close on Thursday in observance of the Independence Day holiday, several stores will remain open for the Fourth of July.
They include a number of major grocery stores, supermarkets and retailers, as well as drug stores, pharmacies and discount stores.
Several government offices, including post offices and public libraries, and most banks are closed on Thursday.
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Things to do in Sacramento area on Independence Day
The sweltering heat isn’t stopping Sacramento from celebrating the Fourth of July.
There will be several Independence Day events in and around the capital city on Thursday, featuring firework displays, parades and live entertainment.
They include the Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Festival, the Fourth of July Carnival in Sacramento and the 4th on the Field event at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
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Which fireworks are illegal to use?
“California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website.
It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks without the “safe and sane” seal.
In California, illegal fireworks include:
Sky rockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Aerial shells
Firecrackers
What’s more, you can face penalties if you’re caught breaking the law, Cal Fire said.
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Can I report my neighbor for setting off fireworks?
According to Sacramento County, residents can light so-called “safe and sane” fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursday.
Those include fountains, sparklers and smokeballs.
If someone is caught setting off illegal fireworks in Sacramento County, penalties can include jail time and fines of up to $10,000.
Residents can report firework use by calling the Sacramento County Sheriff’s non-emergency hotline at 916-874-5115 or emailing the county at reportfireworks@saccounty.gov.
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Is it dangerous to light fireworks during a heat wave?
Modesto residents should be extra cautious when lighting fireworks during the heat wave, according to state fire officials.
Heat, wind and fireworks can create a dangerous combination, Cal Fire deputy state fire marshal Kara Garrett told The Sacramento Bee via email.
When it comes to storing fireworks, Garrett said “it’s always best to err on the side of caution to prevent any accidents from occurring.”
That includes “not storing fireworks in a hot car.”
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