City, police, seek the public’s help in curbing illegal fireworks

By Sara Beth Williams–
The City of Citrus Heights and the Police Department are asking for residents’ help to curb the use of illegal fireworks leading into New Year’s Eve.

The Citrus Heights Police Department is asking for community members to help identify locations in which illegal fireworks are being used by utilizing the SeeClickFix app, which is now active and will continue to be available through the New Year. Residents can use the app to directly report illegal firework activity in their area.

“During this time of year, all fireworks, including those labeled safe and sane, are illegal,” the city said in a newsflash on its website, adding that residents who directly witness illegal firework activity and agree to attest to the illegal activity can request to have a “Notice of Violation” sent directly to the violator.

Police Department staff will review attestations from citizens and issue citations to property owners accordingly, the city said. Anyone who believes they are issued a citation in error can contact the police department to contest a citation.

The city’s announcement last week, also posted on social media, comes nearly six months after then-Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa requested that the city make the current illegal fireworks ordinance “stiffer” to help prevent illegal fireworks throughout the city. Karpinski-Costa made the comments during a July 10 City Council meeting, referencing opinions stated in public comments regarding the amount of illegal firework activity over the Fourth of July.

“Right now, our ordinance I don’t think is very enforceable,” Karpinski-Costa said in July. Councilmembers Tim Schaefer and MariJane Lopez-Taff voiced agreement.

Citrus Heights Police stated in a report to City Council on June 27 that the current city ordinance results in fining the “host” or the resident who knowingly permits or allows illegal fireworks to be lit, exploded, or sold on private property owned or controlled by the resident. Fines for illegal fireworks in Citrus Heights begin at $750 for the first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

In comparison, Sacramento County adopted fireworks ordinance amendments in an April 2024 meeting, resulting in an increase in illegal fireworks fines. According to a county press release dated April 9, fines begin at $1,000 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second violation within 12 months of the first violation, $5,000 for each additional violation within 12 months, and finally, $10,000 for each violation that occurred on school grounds, in parks, or within the American River Parkway.