How To Report Illegal Fireworks In Modesto As Local Officials Warn Of Health, Safety Danger

California police and health officials say fireworks can be dangerous to health, safety and the environment.

According to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, more than 19,500 firework fires were lit in 2020, and 15,600 firework injuries were reported in emergency rooms nationwide.

Modesto Police are asking residents to report illegal fireworks.

“As firefighters, we often see the harsh reality and damage of dangerous fireworks,” Modesto Fire Captain Alfonso Zamora said on Facebook.

The Valley Weather District is issuing its own advisories for the upcoming holidays, stating that fireworks may pose a public health hazard.

Here's how to report illegal fireworks in your area and celebrate safely.

Modest fireworks illegal information

The Modesto Police and the City of Modesto offer residents several ways to report illegal fireworks.

Reports through the Police Department's online reporting portal or GoModesto. The app is available on Apple and Android phones. According to the municipality, these reporting tools are not monitored 24/7.

Online and app reports will be used for enforcement, according to the city's website. When making these reports, residents should note the time, date and location of the incident.

If illegal fireworks are triggered "today," residents may call the department's non-emergency line at 209-552-2470, according to the city.

The police department urges residents to call 911, for example, if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

"All City of Modesto firework vendors are required to have a 'safe and smart' permit from the City Fire Department to sell fireworks," Zamora said. "As a reminder, it is illegal in the state of California to own, possess or discharge fireworks that are not safe and sound."

In a new statement from CalFire, penalties for violating fireworks laws can include fines of up to $50,000 and up to one year in prison.

According to CalFire, illegal fireworks include:

• heaven

• glass rockets

• Roman candles

• aircraft missiles

• firecrackers

How to register safely

According to the Air District, personal fireworks emit high levels of fine particles such as soot, ash and metal that can have serious health consequences.

Every year, air monitors in the valley show a peak in particulate matter concentrations on July 4, according to a county news release. Monitors measure these peaks four to five times higher than the federal standard, usually at night when personal fireworks are used.

Depending on the region, these particles can enter the bloodstream, lodge deep in the lungs, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke . Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are most at risk.

Exposure can also cause other health problems, including headaches, coughing, wheezing, sinus irritation, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks.

The district offers fireworks alternatives to celebrate the holiday, including:

• outdoor movie night

• stupid simulator

• chemical lights

• laser lights

"We urge residents to be thoughtful and considerate of their neighbors and vulnerable people who may be affected by the health effects of personal firework emissions," said Samir Shaikh, executive director of the San Joaquin Valley Air District . .

How to keep pets safe

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency has tips for keeping dogs comfortable and safe during fireworks. To reduce anxiety and stress, dog owners should:

• Create a safe space. Create a cozy space with a familiar bed, toys and some favorite treats

• Soundproofing. close the windows, draw the curtains, and turn on soothing music or white noise to drown out the sounds of the fireworks.

• Use anxiolytics. T-shirts, calming pheromone diffusers, or vet-recommended natural calming supplements can help reduce anxiety.

• Exercise and Mental Stimulation - This can tire your dog out and make him calmer and more capable of dealing with stressful situations.

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