The City of Modesto Increases Fines for Illegal Firework Violations and Tips for Safe 4th of July

The City of Modesto is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents. As part of this commitment, the City Council recently increased penalties for illegal firework violations. The Modesto Police Department will be strictly enforcing the City's Ordinance on illegal fireworks this holiday season. Officers will be out in full force, and Sky 1 will be patrolling to ensure the safety of our community.

Penalties

The increased penalties are as follows:

• $2,000 fine for the first violation.
• $3,000 fine for the second violation within a 36-month period
• $4,000 fine for subsequent violations within a 36-month period.

The fine for the manufacturing and sale of illegal fireworks will be $10,000 per violation given the enhanced culpability of these acts.

Enforcement

The City of Modesto takes the enforcement of illegal firework activity seriously and strongly encourages the residents of Modesto to celebrate responsibly and follow the laws to avoid being fined. To keep our community safe, the City is launching a fireworks safety campaign called "Don't Get Burned."

The goal of the safety campaign is to provide education and make residents aware of the potential risks of using fireworks, the consequences of possessing/using illegal fireworks, and provide tips on how to correctly use legal fireworks for safe 4th of July celebrations.

Safety Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure the safest way to enjoy Independence Day celebrations for all:

• Only fireworks labeled with the California State Fire Marshal "Safe and Sane" seal are legal in California and in the City of Modesto from 9 AM Monday, July 1, 2024, through 10 PM Thursday, July 4, 2024. Be sure to purchase fireworks from licensed retailers.
• Follow the instructions carefully on the fireworks packaging and never modify them from their intended use.
• Properly store fireworks in a cool dry place, ensure they are inaccessible to children, and stored away from flammable materials.
• Adult supervision is a necessity, and we encourage parents to set expectations for proper behavior around fireworks and always monitor the use of fireworks. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
• Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Back up quickly to a safe distance after lighting a firework.
• Never attempt to re-light or "fix" fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks in the direction of people, towards vehicles, or homes/buildings.

Reporting a Concern

To report misuse of fireworks and possession/use of illegal fireworks contact:

• Modesto Police Department's (MPD) non-emergency phoneline at 209-552-2470
• Use the GoModesto! App to report any suspected violations.
• Only call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

When reporting, please provide information on where the illegal fireworks activity took place and any additional information that would be helpful to the Modesto Police Department.

Remember, any use of fireworks and sparklers deemed "Safe and Sane" can still be harmful and often result in injuries such as serious burns, eye injuries, hearing loss, injuries to the hands, respiratory injuries and much more. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to celebrating responsibly.

"Don't Get Burned" by sacrificing the safety of yourself, your family, your community, and don't risk having to pay large fines by possessing/using illegal fireworks.

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