Escondido officials urge residents to report illegal fireworks ahead of July 4

Fire Chief John Tanger urged Escondido residents to report illegal fireworks and to call the City of Escondido nonemergency line with locations, saying the city’s crews respond each year to “fires and injuries that are caused by illegal fireworks.”

The message was repeated by Mayor Dane White, who said residents should celebrate safely on the Fourth of July and reminded people to consider neighbors, including those with dogs or veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. “As cool and as fun as they are, they are highly dangerous and highly illegal,” White said. “If you see something, say something, and you can report illegal fireworks through the Escondido Police Department's nonemergency number.”

Why it matters: city officials said illegal fireworks cause both physical harm and community disruption. The two short public messages directed residents to use the city’s nonemergency reporting channels instead of 911 for nonpermitted fireworks so crews can respond to fires and injuries and public-safety resources can be allocated appropriately.

Details from officials: Fire Chief John Tanger said, “Every year, our crews respond to fires and injuries that are caused by illegal fireworks. It's not worth the risk.” He told residents, “To report non permitted fireworks, please call the city of Escondido non emergency line and provide your location.” Mayor White emphasized neighborhood impacts, noting pets and veterans with PTSD among those affected and urging people to report incidents to the Escondido Police Department nonemergency number. “It's important to remember in Escondido, we celebrate safely,” he said.

There were no votes, motions, or formal actions recorded in the messages. The communications served as public-safety advisories rather than agenda items or policy proposals.