Cal Fire seizes 80,000 lbs. of illegal fireworks ahead of Fourth of July
Fourth of July is just days away, but many California law enforcement agencies have been gearing up for the holiday for weeks.
On Thursday, California s fire marshal announced the results of major efforts to curb the illegal importation of dangerous fireworks into the state in the height of wildfire season.
Throughout May and June, law enforcement conducted targeted operations along the California and Nevada border. Nearly 80,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized, according to Cal Fire officials.
Any firework that flies in the air, darts across the ground, or explodes is considered illegal in California.
Cal Fire seizes 80,000 lbs. of illegal fireworks ahead of Fourth of July
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Fourth of July is just days away, but many California law enforcement agencies have been gearing up for the holiday for weeks.
On Thursday, California s fire marshal announced the results of major efforts to curb the illegal importation of dangerous fireworks into the state in the height of wildfire season.
Throughout May and June, law enforcement conducted targeted operations along the California and Nevada border. Nearly 80,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized, according to Cal Fire officials.
Any firework that flies in the air, darts across the ground, or explodes is considered illegal in California.
The news came just one day after a large explosion in a South Los Angeles neighborhood was caused by the Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad while trying to dispose of illegal fireworks. There is no excuse for breaking the law and attempting to transport illegal fireworks into California, said California State Fire Marshal
Mike Richwine. The illegal fireworks our peace officers have seized puts a dent into the potential devastating injuries, fires and damage to property that these dangerous devices pose.
In addition to seizing fireworks at the border, officers also conducted 932 traffic stops. During those stops, they issued 215 citations for the possession of dangerous fireworks and other violations. Three people were arrested for what was called various crimes.