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Police and fire outline 4th of July fireworks rules, increased enforcement in Los Banos
Summary
Police and fire officials briefed the council on the city's fireworks ordinance, public-safety risks, legal 'Safe and Sane' sale dates, and stepped-up enforcement including fines and vendor permit oversight ahead of July 4.
City police and fire officials briefed the Los Banos City Council on June 18 about the local fireworks ordinance, safety rules for "Safe and Sane" fireworks sales, and enforcement plans for the July 4 season.
Fire Chief Tuala explained the difference between state-approved "Safe and Sane" consumer products and illegal commercial/aerial fireworks. He said booths selling Safe and Sane fireworks must use products bearing the State Fire Marshal logo and that sales for those items are allowed beginning at noon on June 28 and must end by 8 p.m. on July 4. "For safe and sane fireworks...they can display these July 1 through July 4 between the hours 9AM to 10PM," he said, while noting adult supervision and property-use rules.
Police Chief Reyna outlined enforcement plans and staffing for the holiday period. Reyna said officers, code-enforcement staff and dispatchers will be briefed and increased on duty during the season, and that violations can lead to confiscation, administrative fines and misdemeanor charges under the municipal code. "The fine for possession or discharge of these illegal, fireworks is about $1,250," Reyna said, adding that last year’s single-night citations totaled roughly $25,000.
Nut graf: Officials described outreach to vendors, required safety meetings and a social-media education campaign. They stressed that even Safe and Sane products can cause fires if improperly disposed: staff advised soaking used fireworks in water before disposal.
Officials described common illegal items — small commercial ‘‘cakes,’’ rockets and aerial shells — and said these are handled as explosives when they lack proper markings. The city will conduct safety briefings for permitted vendors and has the authority to recover city costs for emergency response related to firework incidents.
The item was informational only; the council did not take action. Officials asked residents to report illegal fireworks to dispatch so officers can prioritize responses and build evidence if follow-up citations are necessary.
