Oakland cracking down on illegal fireworks with fines up to $10,000
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The City of Oakland is cracking down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July, sending a warning to those thinking to use illegal fireworks.
There's a new urgent plea from Oakland police and fire departments about the dangers and consequences if you're caught.
"Be smart, be smart this Fourth of July," said Daisy Ocim, an Oakland resident.
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She's sending that advice to her Oakland neighbors who may be planning illegal fireworks displays, which lit up the skies last July 4th.
"Don't get yourself into trouble for one night," said Ocim.
"We want people to know fireworks are illegal and dangerous. If you're caught, you'll be by the Oakland Police Department," said Geoff Hunter, OPD Battalion Chief.
Fines will range from $1,000 to $10,000 dollars.
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Fire danger is high this summer. There is still a drought, which means the dry grass is everywhere.
"We've had houses catch fire and vegetation fires as well," said Hunter.
You can leave anonymous tips on a city hotline. And, many fire stations have collection barrels to get help fireworks off the streets.
But Ocim fears it still won't stop the party. "People are still going to do it! You can put as many policies, fines or tickets, but people will still do it."
Last year, Oakland police made their biggest bust in decades, seizing $50,000 worth of illegal fireworks.
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But the threat is still out there. There are ads on sites like Craigslist, selling fireworks across the Bay Area.
People who want to report illegal fireworks in San Jose can now do so online. There's a form on the city's website where people can confidentially report illegal fireworks.
All fireworks, even those considered "safe and sane" are illegal in many Bay Area cities including San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco.
