Seaside residents frustrated over spike in fireworks weeks before Fourth of July

SEASIDE, Calif. (KION) Residents in Seaside said they're tired of the nightly fireworks, which have been going on for weeks now.

“It’s really hard to get some sleep," resident Pam Hampton said. "It goes on, sometimes, until 1 in the morning.”

These fireworks come toward the end of stay-at-home orders and local protests for racial equality.

“I think they’re just acting out," Hampton said. "And they don’t know how to do it, other than fireworks.”

But it's not quite the Fourth of July just yet. And stands are still empty because the state says that licensed retailers aren't allowed to start selling fireworks until June 28.

That means any fireworks being lit right now are likely illegal, and dangerous.

“We’ve already responded to ten vegetation fires—small vegetation fires—caused by illegal fireworks,” Seaside Fire Department engineer Rick Meyer said.

The Seaside Fire Department is working with police to identify people lighting the illegal fireworks, but they said it's not always easy to do.

“That’s the big challenge is they’re going off everywhere,” Meyer said.

Police tell KION they're plan is to send up a drone to pinpoint where the culprits are. If someone is caught lighting an illegal firework, the fine is $2,500.

The fire department recommended that anyone who uses legal fireworks should soak them in water when they're done. It will prevent fires from starting.