'Safe and Sane' fireworks applications due March 15

The deadline to apply for a “Safe and Sane” fireworks booth is approaching — 5 p.m. March 15.

Turning in an application is the first step in the screening process to select eligible organizations interested in selling “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Porterville for the Fourth of July holiday.

To be eligible, the organization must be a not-for-profit, charitable, religious, civic, patriotic or community service organization. A copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service or the State Franchise Board designating the organization as exempt from federal or state taxes or a copy of Federal Income Tax Form 990 must accompany the application.

A “lottery system” will be conducted March 31 to pick the organizations that will be awarded permits for the sale of fireworks in 2010.

Only eligible organizations will be entered into the lottery.   

The organization must have been formed within the city for a minimum of one year, continually, preceding the filing of the application for permit. Such eligible organizations must be headquartered within, and clearly affiliated and identified with, the city.

The organization must be one which provides direct and regular community services and benefits to the citizens of the city, holds its regularly scheduled meetings within the city, and must maintain a bonafide membership of at least 20 members.   

Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information contact Battalion Chief Loran Blasdell at the Porterville Fire Department office, 782-7526.