Local authorities crack down on illegal fireworks ahead of Fourth of July

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters and police across Central California are cracking down on illegal fireworks as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.

Last month, authorities made a series of busts targeting people selling illegal fireworks. Firefighters in Farmersville also responded to a house fire sparked by an illegal firework.

The Fresno Fire Department says many of the illegal fireworks come from outside California. During last year's Fourth of July, Fresno firefighters responded to 190 calls between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., with nearly 70% of them related to illegal fireworks.

Across the region, firefighters and police say they typically see an increase in illegal sales leading up to the holiday.

"You have a lot of people that are either stockpiling for their own party or trying to offload them and sell them for a profit," said Lt. Mark Adams with the Madera Police Department.

The Fresno Fire Department said two people were arrested Tuesday for selling illegal fireworks on social media.

"They were able to confiscate about 1800 pounds so far, I believe, of illegal fireworks," said Josh Sellers with the Fresno Fire Department.

Other recent seizures include more than 1,500 pounds of illegal fireworks in Kerman earlier this month, valued at $15,000, and more than 200 illegal fireworks confiscated in Madera on Wednesday.

"That's off of two cases and both resulted in felony charges against the possessor," Adams said.

In May, Clovis police seized about 1,000 illegal fireworks - the largest seizure in several years - with an estimated value of $50,000. On Tuesday, officers arrested 27-year-old Luis Morales in Kerman, who police say is connected to that case

"Officers served a search warrant at a location in the city of Kerman where we discovered numerous items, materials, and equipment used to manufacture illegal fireworks and destructive devices," said Sgt. Sean Obrien with the Clovis Police Department.

Firefighters and law enforcement agencies say they are increasing enforcement efforts ahead of the holiday, including boosting staffing and working together to identify violators. Drones will also be used to capture footage of illegal fireworks use.

"Recording and catching footage of folks using those fireworks. Investigators will follow up later on and review the video footage," Sellers said.

Officials warn that people caught with illegal fireworks could face hefty fines or jail time. In Fresno, fines start at $2,000 for a first violation and can increase, with an additional $250 administrative fee for each fine.

Safe and Sane fireworks are the only types of fireworks that are legal in California.

For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook, X and Instagram.