FIREWORKS ARE DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL, AUTHORITIES WARN

The dangers of using fireworks have prompted authorities preparing for this weekend’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to urge citizens to refrain from lighting firecrackers, no matter how small.

Police and fire authorities in Livermore and Pleasanton said that while they recognized the desire to celebrate the arrival of the new year, fireworks of all sizes and types are illegal.

In July a Livermore man died from injuries sustained after lighting an illegal firework at a neighborhood party, authorities said.

Jason Wilkins, 36, was attempting to light a mortar-style firework on the evening of July 4 when the device exploded, hitting him in the face, according to Livermore police. He died within a few days.