Crackdown on illegal fireworks in Tulare

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The city of Tulare is increasing its fine for having illegal fireworks and the new fine is a hefty one.

Bottle rockets, m-90s and roman candles. These fireworks might provide a lot of excitement on July 4th but firefighters say they're dangerous.

Tulare Fire Chief Willard Epps said, "It can cause a lot of damage the explosion one could easily dismantle blow someone's hand off."

Tulare firefighters have responded to structure fires, grass fires and even emergency injuries -- all stemming from illegal fireworks. But even with all the danger that comes with the explosives, firefighters were finding that people just weren't taking the violation, and the $100.00 fine that comes with it seriously.

Chief Epps said, "We say hey are you shooting illegal fireworks? That's going to cost you $100.00 and they just say here let me just write you a check for $100.00 as long as you don't take my fireworks."

The fine is ten-fold, instead of $100 bucks, it's a $1,000.00. Dry conditions from this year's drought gave fire officials a bigger incentive to stop people from using them.

Chief Epps added, "They go up in the air 500 feet and the wind catches them and blow all over everyone and eventually light fires."

Firefighters recommend using fireworks that are "safe and sane" or basically anything that doesn't leave the ground. They warn legal fireworks that are modified to be more explosive, are just as illegal, dangerous and could get you a ticket for that $1,000.00 fine, as well.

Tulare firefighters and police officers will be out patrolling looking for those illegal fireworks starting on July 3rd.