(CLAIR) – This 4th of July, the Simi Valley Police Department will be out in full force to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks. In addition to issuing citations, the police will also be confiscating any illegal fireworks that they find. The SVPD wants residents to enjoy the holiday safely and within the law.
In recent years, the use of illegal fireworks and the threat of wildfires has become a major problem in the city, particularly during the summer months. While many people enjoy setting off fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday, Simi Valley has a history of massively destructive and costly wildfires.
Also, many city residents, unimpressed by the noise and pollution they cause, consider illegal residential fireworks to be mostly a nuisance these days.
To prevent the use of illegal fireworks, the Simi Valley Police Department has embarked on an aggressive enforcement campaign. Officers will be patrolling neighborhoods and issuing citations to people who are caught using fireworks within the city limits.
The minimum fine for a fireworks infraction starts at $100, while misdemeanor fines start at $2,500 for each violation. Depending on prior convictions, fines for misdemeanors can reach as high as $10,000 or more.
