Escondido officials urge residents to avoid illegal fireworks, report incidents to nonemergency line

Fire Chief John Tanger and Councilwoman Judy Fitzgerald urged residents of Escondido to avoid illegal fireworks and to report nonpermitted use to the City of Escondido nonemergency line ahead of the Fourth of July.

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 directed residents to report nonpermitted fireworks through the city’s nonemergency number and to provide location information when calling.

Councilwoman Judy Fitzgerald, speaking from Kit Carson Park in Escondido, said residents should “look out for each other and keep our communities safe,” and referenced recent wildfires in California as a reason for caution. “We don't wanna scare any puppies with the fourth of July fireworks,” Fitzgerald added, urging responsibility and care for neighbors.

The messages in the transcript were public-safety reminders focused on injury and fire risk from illegal fireworks; no enforcement actions, ordinance changes, or contact numbers were specified in the recorded remarks. The officials emphasized reporting locations when calling the nonemergency line and encouraged residents to choose safer ways to celebrate to reduce risk to people, pets and property.