Police continue to crack down on illegal fireworks

Fireworks lit up the sky across the Central Coast last night. Aside from permitted shows, some still chose to ” light up ” illegally.

” Every other five minutes they were going off, ” said Watsonville resident Carlos Nevarez .

Watsonville Police officers filled a large dumpster with illegal fireworks last night. Officers confiscated them and gave out fines up to $1,000.

” The reason that we’re enforcing this is because illegal fireworks are dangerous. We have a lot of neighborhoods where power lines are extremely low. That can even spark a fire. We saw a fire last night while we were out responding to reports of illegal fireworks, ” said Watsonville Police Department communications officer Michelle Pulido .

The Watsonville Police Department shared a video of last night’s fire on social media. They said it was started by illegal fireworks. Officers were able to quickly put it out.

” It’s getting louder every year, ” said Nevarez .

Police discovered 20 violations in Watsonville last night. They said many minors were behind the explosions.

” With the minors who were lighting these fireworks, that’s two violations right there. That’s $2,000. One for being a minor and lighting illegal fireworks, and another for being in possession of illegal fireworks, ” said Pulido .

Police said their strict enforcement period will carry on through the weekend and next week.

” I think police are doing a good job, or as much as they can for what they have, ” said Watsonville resident, Jose Luna.

Watsonville residents can call 831-471-1151 to report illegal fireworks.