Full Notification

Ripon Police Utilizing New Legal Tool To Combat Illegal Fireworks

The Ripon Police Department will be utilizing a new legal tool to combat illegal fireworks this year. Police personnel will respond to reports of illegal fireworks, before, during and after the Fourth of July. The goal will be to curb the usage of illegal fireworks by arresting those responsible.

A newly adopted city ordinance allows police to arrest property owners or occupants in control of the property where illegal fireworks are being set alight. The charge is a misdemeanor violation that will be prosecuted by the City Attorney’s Office. Fines are $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Department spokesperson, Lt. Steve Merchant said in the past officers have seen illegal aerial fireworks being set off in back yards but in certain circumstances the officers couldn’t take action. In other cases officers correctly identified violations, collected evidence and prepared complete reports but charges were not filed by the District Attorney’s Office. Now with the new city ordinance, the property owners or occupants in control of the property will be subject to a misdemeanor arrest that will be prosecuted by the City Attorney’s Office.

Merchant said officers will fully document illegal fireworks usage by completing reports and by lawfully obtaining video of the violations. If officers aren’t able to make personal contact with the property owner or occupant and make an arrest at the time of the violation, the owner or occupant will receive a citation at the conclusion of the investigation. Fines are $250 for a first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Only Safe and Sane Fireworks, like those sold at local fireworks booths, are legal. Any fireworks that have been modified, are home-made or that can be shot into the air are illegal in California. Some types of illegal fireworks may be considered illegal explosives, and persons in possession of these items will be arrested.

Your local Police officers would like this Fourth of July to be a safe and sane event. Ripon citizens are being asked to both support a safe and sane Fourth of July, and to report any known locations where illegal fireworks have traditionally been used by calling the Ripon Police Department information tip line at 599-RTIP (599-7847). If you see illegal fireworks currently being used, immediately call 911 or 599-2102 and report it.

Help keep our neighborhoods safe by supporting a safe and sane Fourth of July.