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Baldwin Park council asks staff for report on illegal fireworks, fines and related incidents
Summary
Council members requested a staff report at the next meeting on illegal fireworks enforcement, including citation counts, injury and fire statistics, and recommended public outreach; council members noted existing fines of $1,000, $2,000 and up to $5,000 for repeat violations.
Council members directed staff to prepare a report on illegal fireworks enforcement for the next regular meeting, including how many fines have been issued, any injuries or deaths related to fireworks, and related fire incidents.
Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Damien asked police and fire staff to collaborate with Recreation & Community Services to begin a social-media outreach effort warning residents that the city is enforcing fireworks rules. Chief Deputy City Clerk Quinones confirmed the city’s fine schedule, saying the first violation carries a $1,000 citation, the second a $2,000 citation and subsequent violations can be fined up to $5,000. The council asked staff to include statistics on fines and any injuries or fires tied to fireworks in the report brought back at the next meeting.
Why it matters: Council members said enforcement and outreach are urgent because of dry conditions and a history of injuries tied to fireworks; one council member noted residents have asked to place fireworks policy on a ballot. The council did not change the fine schedule at the May 21 meeting but asked for data to determine whether fines or other measures should be adjusted.
Next steps: Staff (police, fire and recreation/community services) was asked to prepare the requested report and return it at the next meeting; council also authorized starting an outreach campaign in advance of July 4.
