San Mateo County Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks: Boosts Fines for First Offenses to $1,000

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

PRESS RELEASE.

Public safety, threat of wildfire prompt Board of Supervisors to increase fines tenfold

Redwood City – Light a match and get caught in a flash.

That’s the message from the County of San Mateo to anyone thinking about setting off illegal fireworks.

The Board of Supervisors this week increased fines tenfold to $1,000 for any violation of the County’s strict anti-fireworks laws. The Sheriff’s Office, meanwhile, vows to crackdown on violators as a growing number of residents complain about explosions, smoke and noise, and one spark could easily erupt into a wildfire in the drought-stricken hills.

All fireworks are illegal to possess, sell or use in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. This includes fireworks labeled “safe and sane,” such as sparklers, fountains, snakes and smoke balls.

The County will launch a social media and advertising campaign to inform the public about the new and stiffer penalties. While the hope is that would-be violators will put the matches aside, local law enforcement agencies are gearing up for enforcement as the Fourth of July approaches.

“I have heard from my constituents about the number of unpermitted fireworks going off, not only near and during the July 4th holiday, but even now,” said Supervisor Warren Slocum, who co-sponsored the ordinance.

“They are very concerned for their safety and that of their neighborhood. So am I – and that is why this new ordinance with the increased fines is so important,” he said.

Coastside Buzz
Author: Coastside Buzz

Me