By Sara Beth Williams–
Ringing in the new year, police logs show at least 40 incidents of fireworks-related calls were received by Citrus Heights police on Dec. 31, and another 17 fireworks-related calls on Jan. 1. No citations related to illegal fireworks activity were issued between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, according to the logs.
Despite a barrage of celebratory explosions that could be heard on New Year’s Eve, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reported on Jan. 1 that for the fourth year in a row there were no fireworks-related injuries or fires overnight.
Throughout Metro Fire’s jurisdiction, officials reported receiving 13 fireworks-related complaints, a 40 percent decrease from the same time period a year ago. No complaints were received from Citrus Heights, officials said.
Prior to New Year’s Eve, Citrus Heights Police encouraged residents to use the city’s SeeClickFix app to report illegal fireworks activity. From Dec. 27 through New Year’s Day, residents were able to use the app to send a “Notice of Violation” directly if they witnessed a property owner directly engaging in illegal firework activity, according to a newsflash posted by the city. Following the receipt of attestations from residents, police staff then review submissions and issue citations accordingly.
On Thursday, Citrus Heights Police said data regarding citations issued for illegal fireworks after New Year’s Eve was not available and wouldn’t be available until next week. Police Sgt. Jennifer Kell said drones were not used overnight on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day to identify any illegal firework activity.
Kell said when submitting through SeeClickFix, residents who selected the option to be contacted were able to be contacted by police regarding witnessing illegal firework activity.
Though there were no injuries or fires, Citrus Heights residents took to social media reporting frustration over the number of illegal fireworks explosions occurring across the city. Some residents posted they heard less this year, while others said the amount of fireworks activity remained the same as in years past.
Ringing in the new year, police logs show at least 40 incidents of fireworks-related calls were received...
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