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Fourth of July Reminder: No Fireworks in Marin, Please

Revelers might be tempted to bring fireworks into Marin and commence with risky activities, often fueled by alcohol consumption. It’s a serious no-no, so locals are asked to spread the word about resisting the temptation. Many locals know that and adhere to the law, but holiday visitors from other counties and other states might not know.

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In this drought, a single spark can lead to a significant wildland or structure fire.
In this drought, a single spark can lead to a significant wildland or structure fire.

Don’t let your guard down over the holiday weekend…Play it safe

Courtesy of Marin County

One gently floating ember from a cookout or a firecracker could ignite widespread tragedy in Marin County’s parched landscape. The Marin County Fire Department is urging all residents and visitors to remember that fireworks are illegal in the county, not just on the upcoming Fourth of July weekend but at all times.

Revelers might be tempted to bring fireworks into Marin and commence with risky activities, often fueled by alcohol consumption. It’s a serious no-no, so locals are asked to spread the word about resisting the temptation. Many locals know that and adhere to the law, but holiday visitors from other counties and other states might not know.

The fireworks ordinance will be enforced to reduce fire risk, protect natural resources and — most importantly — to preserve personal safety. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office plans to have extra deputies on duty for enforcement over the holiday.

“It won’t take much to trigger an historic-level disaster,” said Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber. “The dry conditions are highly dangerous, especially when it’s windy. You can still have a good time without letting your guard down. Public safety and protecting property have to be high on your priority list.”

Marin County Fire, the Sheriff’s Office, and rangers from Marin County Parks are joining first responders from local agencies to prepare for a summer coming-out party. All illegal activities and behavior issues witnessed by Marin County Parks rangers will be reported to law enforcement or fire agencies, and enforcement will take place whether or not an incident takes place on private property or at a County government property. A misdemeanor offense of using or possessing fireworks in Marin could cost an offender $410 – that’s $100 for the base fine plus $310 in penalty assessments and surcharges.

Even if temperatures are not high, beaches and pools are expected to be popular gathering spots during the holiday weekend. It could include shoreline excursions or poolside celebrations at which lapses in water safety are high. Parents need to make sure kids are water safe around all bodies of water, from the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay to wading pools. Adults need to avoid distractions as they keep an eye on youngsters, including an overindulgence in alcoholic beverages. Drowning continues to be a leading cause of injury and death for children ages 1-4. Wearing life jackets and having other floatation devices handy is a must.

Folks who would like to see legal fireworks are encouraged to attend the Marin County Fair, which offers a professionally handled fireworks display each night from June 30 through July 4 in San Rafael. The fair receives a permit from the City of San Rafael to conduct the nightly shows.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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Chevron Richmond Installs Baker Hughes Flare.IQ, Real-time Flare Monitoring, Control and Reduction System

While the sight of flaring can cause concern in the community, flares are essential safety systems that burn pollutants to prevent them from being released directly into the atmosphere. They activate during startup and shut-down of facility units or during upsets or equipment malfunctions. The typical flare stack is about 200 feet high so that vapors are well above street levels.

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Image courtesy The Richmond Standard.
Image courtesy The Richmond Standard.

The Richmond Standard

Chevron Richmond recently installed flare.IQ, a real-time, automated system that will improve the facility’s flaring performance.

The technology, developed by Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business, uses sensors to monitor, reduce and control flaring in real time. It collects and assesses data on refinery processes, such as temperature, pressure, gas flow and gas composition, and adjusts accordingly to ensure flares burn more efficiently and cleanly, leading to fewer emissions.

“The cleaner the flare, the brighter the flame can look,” said Duy Nguyen, a Chevron Richmond flaring specialist. “If you see a brighter flame than usual on a flare, that actually means flare.IQ is operating as intended.”

While the sight of flaring can cause concern in the community, flares are essential safety systems that burn pollutants to prevent them from being released directly into the atmosphere. They activate during startup and shut-down of facility units or during upsets or equipment malfunctions. The typical flare stack is about 200 feet high so that vapors are well above street levels.

“A key element in Baker Hughes’ emissions abatement portfolio, flare.IQ has a proven track record in optimizing flare operations and significantly reducing emissions,” said Colin Hehir, vice president of Panametrics, a Baker Hughes business. “By partnering with Chevron Richmond, one of the first operators in North America to adopt flare.IQ, we are looking forward to enhancing the plant’s flaring operations.”

The installation of flare.IQ is part of a broader and ongoing effort by Chevron Richmond to improve flare performance, particularly in response to increased events after the new, more efficient hydrogen plant was brought online in 2019.

Since then, the company has invested $25 million — and counting — into flare minimization. As part of the effort, a multidisciplinary refinery team was formed to find and implement ways to improve operational reliability and ultimately reduce flaring. Operators and other employees involved in management of flares and flare gas recovery systems undergo new training.

“It is important to me that the community knows we are working hard to lower emissions and improve our flaring performance,” Nguyen said.

Also evolving is the process by which community members are notified of flaring incidents. The Community Warning System (CWS), operated by Contra Costa County is an “all-hazard” public warning system.

Residents can opt-in to receive alerts via text, e-mail and landline. The CWS was recently expanded to enable residents to receive notifications for “Level 1” incidents, which are considered informational as they do not require any community action.

For more information related to these topics, check out the resources included on the Chevron RichmondCAER and  Contra Costa Health websites. Residents are also encouraged to follow @chevronrichmond and @RFDCAOnline on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where additional information may be posted during an incident.

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