Watsonville police starting illegal fireworks enforcement

While the sale of safe and sane fireworks has already started in some cities, so have the 911 calls about illegal fireworks.

Watsonville Police Department along with other agencies on the Central Coast will be cracking down on those using illegal fireworks this year. “We have groups of officers going undercover in undercover cars looking to find people who are using illegal fireworks in the city of watsonville,” said Michelle Pulido with Watsonville Police Department.

The citations for illegal fireworks can land you a $1,000 fine. Pulido adds the fine and danger isn’t worth it. “These citations are very expensive, we are talking about $1000 citation and that’s just for one violation, you could be issued multiple citations. So 1000 bucks, go buy yourself something new, why don’t you just support your community and instead by the safe and sane fireworks”

Police say they have to catch you in the act of lighting a firework in order to cite you and they will be going undercover.

Fireworks marked with seals that say “Registered Fireworks” and “State Fire Marshal” are legal in the city of Watsonville.

Watsonvile Fire Chief Rudy Lopez said he’s seen more than enough avoidable incidents involving illegal fireworks. “I’ve responded to quite a few incidents where people have been injured as a result of using illegal fireworks actually seen victims of an explosive where they ended up losing some of their fingers.”

The other concern, fireworks starting fires. With the wet Winter we had there is plenty of fuel to start fires and for them to spread quickly. “

“Keep a bucket of water around after using the fireworks to dunk them in there for a little bit because often people throw them in the dumpster or garbage can and end up starting garbage fire and that could extend to a residence,” said Chief Lopez.

Dispatchers get hundreds of calls each year during forth of July. They say if you want to report fireworks call the non emergency line, unless they are posing a threat to start a fire, then call 9-1-1.

They say they will also need an exact adress, if the fireworks are ground or aerial and if they are posing a threat.