During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the challenges and strategies surrounding the use of illegal fireworks in Merced, particularly following the Fourth of July celebrations. Chief Wilson of the Merced Fire Department presented a report detailing the department's efforts to mitigate illegal fireworks usage, which included educational outreach, community engagement, and increased police enforcement.

The fire department reported a significant spike in calls for service during the holiday period, with 14 fires, including two structure fires, attributed to fireworks. The department emphasized a \"no contact\" approach during enforcement to avoid confrontations at large gatherings, which often involve alcohol. This year, only six administrative citations were issued, a decrease attributed to the immediate response required for fires as they occurred.

The police department also reported seizing over 26,100 pounds of illegal fireworks and making two arrests. They highlighted the importance of community involvement through the Merced Connect app, which allows residents to report illegal fireworks without tying up emergency lines.

A key point of discussion among council members was the adequacy of the current $1,000 fine for illegal fireworks. Several council members expressed that this amount is insufficient as a deterrent, suggesting that it has not kept pace with the rising costs of fireworks. They proposed exploring options to increase the fines, potentially implementing a per-device citation system similar to practices in neighboring cities.

The council acknowledged the strain on resources during the holiday, with some departments experiencing a complete drawdown of available personnel due to multiple simultaneous incidents. The discussion concluded with a consensus on the need for further evaluation of the fine structure and enforcement strategies to better protect the community and manage the risks associated with illegal fireworks.