Illegal fireworks take over the Fresno skyline

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- People flocked to Chukchansi Park for the fourth every year to see a spectacular aerial display of fireworks. But some people like to have their own fireworks show which in some cases is illegal.

Fireworks that shoot up into the air are not allowed in the City of Fresno. If you are convicted of having illegal fireworks you can be ticketed and receive a $1,000 fine.

At one house near Maroa and Bullard firefighters say they found illegal fireworks on the property.

"They actually caught on fire next to the house, next to the gas main, which we quickly found and removed from that gas meter and made sure that fire was out," said Capt. John Pepper, Fresno Fire Department.

While we were on scene tensions escalated so the Fresno County Sheriff's deputies and the Fresno Police Department were called out to help.

Firefighters said it is not uncommon for people to get upset when so many other people are lighting off the same type of aerial fireworks. At another illegal fireworks investigation one firefighter told us bottles were being thrown at a fire engine.

And because of fireworks firefighters have responded to multiple structure and grass fires throughout the day, despite the risk firefighters say this happens every year.

Firefighters also said they know they will be busy well into the morning hours as these fireworks continue.