In an effort to crack down, officials from the San Mateo County announced a new list of fireworks fines this July 4 for all those who sell, buy and set off fireworks on US Independence Day.
Such actions include, for the first time, penalties for spectators, owners, and parents or guardians.
"When you light those fireworks, you get a momentary burst, but the damage can last a lifetime," said Mike Callagy, county executive director.
“Every year, cats and dogs run away and never come home, children are burned, and entire houses and forests burn down. We ask that everyone stop and think about the consequences of their actions."
It should be remembered that all fireworks are illegal in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, as well as in all county parks, state parks, and the Crystal Springs Basin, where wildfire risks are high despite strong rain this year.
Violations of the county's fireworks ordinance carry fines of up to $2,000, including for discharging fireworks within 500 feet of humane societies or pet rescue shelters or consuming alcohol when cited for fireworks violations. fireworks, among other situations.
Coming into 2023, first-time violators may be responsible for county costs to respond to violations of the fireworks ordinance.
This includes "the cost of any medical treatment for any public safety personnel injured in response to the breach, and the cost of repairing any public safety equipment or property damage incurred in response to the breach."
"Our safety advice is to go to professional shows to see them? Fireworks shows?" said Cecile Juliette, public information officer for the San Mateo County Fire Department.
An estimated 11,500 injuries were caused by fireworks across the United States in 2021, with nearly three out of four occurring around July 4. Children under the age of 15 accounted for nearly three in 10 of all fireworks-related injuries that same year, according to the most recent statistics available.
"Members of our community have shared countless stories with me about how illegal fireworks activity around the 4th of July affects them by threatening their sense of safety and diminishing their quality of life," said San Mateo County Sheriff Christina. Corpus.
"I want to assure those we serve that the Sheriff's Office is listening to their concerns and is taking action," he added.
And it is that, the loud noise of the discharges of unauthorized fireworks can cause particular distress to household pets, young children and people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, the fireworks on the 4th of July are one of the leading causes of pet escapes each year.
To report illegal fireworks, applicants may call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 650-363-4911, extension 1, and may remain anonymous. If you need to report an emergency or a crime in progress, call 911.
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