Residents urge Santa Paula to strengthen fireworks enforcement after post-fire incidents

Several residents used the City Council’s public‑comment period to urge stronger enforcement and community action against illegal fireworks, which speakers said have become frequent and dangerous during recent wind events.

Public concerns: Kaye Wilson Bolton told the council that illegal fireworks and explosive devices are pervasive in many neighborhoods and that residents are often afraid to report neighbors because police need stronger grounds to enter and investigate. "Dying by fire is torture," she said. "I think it's time we have some civic, and respectful conversation about this illegal activity in our community."

Additional comments: Joseph Alexander, who said he lives in nearby Fillmore, described six hours of sustained explosions that sounded like "Downtown Iraq" and said he and others called the sheriff multiple times without the problem stopping. He urged the council and police to take additional steps.

Council response: Council members asked staff and the city attorney about the municipal code and the fireworks ordinance; staff said the municipal code update project includes a review of penalty sections and that fireworks‑related penalties will be considered as part of that effort. Council member Crosswhite specifically asked staff to prioritize review of the fireworks ordinance to see whether fines, enforcement thresholds or probable‑cause rules needed changes.

Next steps: Staff said there have been prior social‑media public‑education posts and will continue outreach while coordinating with the police chief and city attorney about enforcement options and possible code changes. Residents also suggested a citizen task force to gather information and help make reporting easier.

Ending: Council members said they would continue public education and consider options to strengthen enforcement and penalties; staff will return with legal and operational options as part of ongoing code‑update work.