Southern California’s police and fire agencies are gearing up for the Fourth of July, battling the issue of illegal fireworks that pose dangers such as injuries, fires, and emotional trauma. Officials have been warning the public about the risks and consequences of using these illicit devices, from fines to citations. Law enforcement will be using various strategies on the holiday to combat the use of illegal fireworks, with fines and penalties used as deterrents.
Cities like Huntington Beach are preparing for a busy day, with every police officer working on the Fourth of July. Calls for service are expected to rise dramatically. Last year, Huntington Beach dispatchers received over 700 fireworks-related calls, leading the city to step up patrols in problem areas and warn residents of the consequences.
Other cities are also working on enforcement efforts, with task forces forming in Riverside and Corona to patrol for illegal fireworks. The fines for illegal fireworks citations range from $1,000 to as high as $50,000 in some cities. However, enforcement is challenging as officers need to personally witness someone lighting the explosive to issue a citation.
Despite efforts to combat illegal fireworks activity, the number of citations issued has decreased in some cities in recent years. Many times, individuals manage to light fireworks and disappear before officers arrive. Overall, law enforcement agencies are setting up preventative measures to avoid injuries and fires caused by illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.
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