Message delivered: No personal fireworks allowed in Auburn

The Auburn Police Department had fun with its Facebook post reminding one and all that even a safe and sane stamp isn't enough to spark up a sparkler in town. "ALLLLL fireworks are illegal in Auburn," reads the post from Wednesday. For those who haven't seen the post, it's a must-read and see. It gets the message across, and it's funny – the text and the photo, which features the movie character Joe Dirt, exaggerated mullet, sideburns and all, wearing an Auburn PD uniform with the Historic Auburn Courthouse behind him, holding a sign that reads, "ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN AUBURN!" The Auburn Fire Department joined Auburn PD in reminding all residents "the discharge of any fireworks within the city limits is strictly prohibited," Fire Chief John Rogers said, noting the ban has been in place for more than three decades. "The city's ban on fireworks is in place to protect public safety, reduce fire risk and prevent injuries," Rogers said. "With elevated fire danger during the summer season, even small fireworks can spark large and dangerous fires in our community." Rogers said people have followed the rules "for the most part" over the years, adding those who don't typically are from out of town and don't know the no-fireworks rule. Additionally, the City of Auburn Municipal Code includes a Social Host Liability provision that can hold those who are in control of a property (such as homeowners and renters) responsible for: · The use of fireworks on private property. · The cost of emergency response by fire, police or other agencies. · Any verifiable safety violation that occurs within 100 feet of the property. A joint press release by the fire and police departments notes residents can contact the Auburn Police Department's non-emergency line at 530-823-4237 to report fireworks violations. Rogers encouraged residents to watch the fireworks shows as part of the annual 3rd of July celebration in Colfax next Thursday and then at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn on Friday. Auburn PD's Facebook post noted, "Unless you really want to be featured in the 'Guess Who Started That Fire' edition of the Auburn Journal Newspaper, maybe – just maybe – leave the pyrotechnics to the pros. Auburn doesn't need anymore Darwin Award nominees this year."