By Phillip Pesola–
In an effort to keep illegal fireworks to a minimum this year, the Citrus Heights Police Department plans to leverage heavier fines and increased staffing, as well as community awareness and reporting around the July Fourth holiday.
Citrus Heights Police Lt. Jason Baldwin gave a presentation regarding fireworks regulations and enforcement during a City Council meeting last week, noting that a button for reporting illegal fireworks activity will be active on the city’s website from July 2 through the morning of July 5. Residents can report illegal fireworks through the website or the non-emergency dispatch line at (916) 727-5500.
In April of this year, the City Council voted to make permanent a temporary ordinance that first went into effect last June. The ordinance imposes a $750 fine for any fireworks discharged between the hours of 11 p.m. and 9 a.m., regardless if the fireworks are illegal or “safe and sane.” Subsequent violations will be fined $1,000, and the same penalties apply to illegal fireworks discharged at any time of day.
From April: Citrus Heights council split on fine for fireworks set off after 11 p.m.
Additionally, the ordinance allows police to cite property owners or event organizers connected to the illegal discharge of fireworks. Previously, authorities had only been able to cite the person who actually discharged a firework illegally.
Additional staffing is planned by the CHPD for this July 3 and 4, including directed patrol units, DUI patrol units, and additional dispatcher staff. An arson investigator from the Sacramento Police Department will be assisting officers in Citrus Heights during this time, and an explosives specialist will be on standby.
Officers intend to enforce the fireworks laws by citation, confiscation or arrest, Baldwin said.
By Phillip Pesola--
In an effort to keep illegal fireworks to a minimum this year, the Citrus Heights Police Department plans to leverage heavier fines and increased staffing, as well as community awareness and reporting around the July Fourth holiday.
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