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Northern California Fire Departments Mail Hundreds of Citations Over Illegal July Fourth Fireworks

Northern California fire departments have processed over 60 citations in Sacramento this week, relying on drone footage, unmarked patrols, steep per-firework fines, property-owner liability, expanded investigations

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Oakland firefighters battle a blaze on the 1600 block of 78th Avenue caused by illegal fireworks Friday night, in an image taken from video. 
Oakland firefighters battle a warehouse blaze Friday, a day that saw an exhausting 64 fires around the city, up from the usual dozen.

Overview

  • Sacramento Fire Department processed around 60 citations by July 7, totaling over $35,000 in fines from just two documented properties
  • Hundreds of additional citations worth hundreds of thousands of dollars are being finalized and mailed under the Social Host Ordinance to property owners statewide
  • The Illegal Fireworks Mitigation Task Force has deployed drones, unmarked vehicles and resident tip-lines since July 2 to pinpoint and document illegal fireworks use
  • Sacramento’s new fine structure levies $1,000 for the first illegal firework, $2,500 for the second, $5,000 thereafter and up to $10,000 at parks, schools or critical infrastructure
  • Investigations into multiple suspected fireworks-caused wildfires in Folsom, Roseville and beyond remain active as agencies review drone footage and resident reports