Elk Grove to crack down on illegal fireworks this year

At tonight’s City Council meeting, interim City Manager, Jason Behrmann announced that the city will be cracking down on illegal fireworks this year. Behrmann said that last year the city received numerous complaints about illegal fireworks during the days leading up to and following the 4th of July.

Behrmann said the city will establish a task force made up of EGPD, Code Enforcement and Cosumnes Fire Dept personnel. The task force will investigate and respond to calls regarding illegal fireworks in the city. Offenders will be cited and may be fined up to $50,000. To report illegal fireworks, residents can call the non emergency number, 916-714-5115.

The announcement follows a statewide crackdown on illegal fireworks. Earlier this month Cal Fire seized nearly 50,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in one of the largest busts in state history.

On Independence Day, in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of every five reported fires in the U.S., more than any other cause. On average each year, fireworks in California start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires. These fires, on average, cause three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage.

Sacramento is also cracking down on illegal fireworks. A task force made up of Sacramento Police, Sacramento Sheriff, Sacramento Fire and ATF officers will be investigating illegal fireworks.

Photo courtesy of Cal Fire