Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fireworks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Victorville reports increased fireworks citations, new tactics after July 4 enforcement
Summary
City code enforcement and fire prevention officials told the council their multi‑department July 4 operation produced more citations and confiscations, used new tools (360° cameras, electronic reader boards) and emphasized outreach to rental property owners.
City code enforcement and fire officials on Aug. 19 described expanded fireworks enforcement around the July 4 period and credited cross‑department collaboration with reducing incidents and allowing targeted enforcement.
George Duran, the city’s code enforcement official, told the council staff began proactive outreach in April and layered new tactics this year including six electronic reader boards placed at high‑visibility locations, targeted notices to rental property owners, social media advertising, and the use of 360° cameras mounted on vehicles to document incidents. Duran said almost 35,000 notices were sent to utility account holders and property owners as part of the outreach effort.
“Preparation is key. We start roughly around April,” Duran said. He described joint patrols, targeted review of social media for illegal sales and focused efforts to identify and cite sellers. Duran said the city issued 65 citations (an increase over prior years) and confiscated about 360 pounds of fireworks; in one location a citation escalated to a $3,000 dollar level.
Fire Chief Bobby Klemmer said the Fire Department added resources for the July 4 period, temporarily adjusted auto‑aid configurations and added engines and water tenders for preplanning. He told council the number of wildland fires during the holiday period fell from 47 in 2024 to 15 in 2025 and that EMS calls remained about the same year‑to‑year. “We put a lot of effort into preplanning this year,” Klemmer said, and credited coordination with code enforcement and dispatch for filtering fireworks calls to dedicated units.
Council response: Councilmembers praised the interdepartmental approach. Councilwoman Irvin said the public education work was “key” and effective. Councilwoman Godin and Councilwoman Jones echoed thanks to staff.
Tactics and enforcement: Duran said the city relies on progressive enforcement (administrative and criminal citation options) and uses notice documentation—reader boards, banners and mailed letters to rental owners—to establish prior notice in appeal or hearing situations. He also described on‑site partnerships with fire prevention and animal services at outreach events.
