Staying safe while using fireworks this holiday weekend
KSBY
and last updated 2021-07-03 03:25:37-04
People often enjoy setting off fireworks on the 4th of July, but when not used safely, they can lead to brush fires and bodily injury. A firework of any kind can really quickly ignite a wildfire that can pose immediate danger to our community, said San Luis Obispo Fire Dept. PIO James Blattler.
Blattler says fireworks pose an immediate threat to our community and if one does start a fire, it is best to call 911 immediately. The number one thing we want them to do is call 911. After 911 has been called, make sure everyone in the area has been alerted, Blattler said.
–Deaths from drug overdoses surged this year in San Luis Obispo County, according to records at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
In 2020, at least 57 fatal overdoses were reported in the county. But that’s not the final number because an additional 19 deaths still under investigation by the coroner have “significant suspicion of overdose toxicity.” So total drug overdose deaths for SLO County could be as high as 76.
That compares to a total of 53 overdose deaths in 2019, 44 in 2018, 41 in 2017, and 43 in 2016.
The majority of the deaths were due to opiate overdoses including heroin and fentanyl. Methamphetamine was also a significant contributor to the overdose deaths, as were mixtures of the drugs.