The City of Salinas makes an effort to combat illegal firework use
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Salinas Fire says that unless you have thousands of dollars in your back pocket, you may want to steer away from lighting illegal fireworks.
Salinas Fire says they will have eyes all over town during the holiday, watching for people lighting up illegal fireworks. Not only officials, but also neighbors who have been calling the number on signs to report them [phone number listed below].
Yellow signs could be seen all over Salinas reading "Neighbors against illegal fireworks."
For the past six years, the Salinas Fire Department has posted them up ahead of the Fourth of July. They say these signs may have helped contribute to the decline in illegal firework usage.
"For about the last six years running, we've seen a steady decrease in the amount of activity," said Salinas Fire Chief Sam Klemek.
Of course, it's not the signs putting a stop to the use of illegal fireworks, but the people who call in.
Chief Klemek says that on average, they receive 20-to-30 calls from community members reporting illegal fireworks per night. The call volume usually goes up to 100 on the 4th.
People in this Salinas neighborhood tell me it's already starting to get loud.
"I'm already hearing stuff at night," said Sarah Velasco who lives in Salinas.
With fire season present on the Central Coast, Chief Klemek wants to remind people of the dangers of pyrotechnics.
"The illegal aerial fireworks are the biggest threat to the community. The fallout from those exploding in the air, the hot outfall that lands on roofs, that lands on grass. It lands in open dumpsters and garbage cans [and] start the fires that create damage," said Klemek.
Chief Klemek says that minimum fines of $1250, undercover units and the community reports are aggressive tactics they are using ahead of the holiday.
"There are dozens of sets of eyes out there that will be watching," said Klemek.
Not only will you get a fine for lighting illegal fireworks, but you will be fined $1,250 for each firework lit.
Last year, Salinas Fire says the largest fine was $130,000.
The number on the signs to report illegal fireworks is (831) 758-7475. You can call or text that number.
