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Escondido officials urge residents to report illegal fireworks ahead of Fourth of July
Summary
Fire Chief John Tanger and Council Member Joe Garcia warned about safety risks from illegal fireworks and asked residents to report nonpermitted use to the City of Escondido nonemergency line.
Fire Chief John Tanger and Council Member Joe Garcia used a brief council announcement to warn residents about the safety risks of illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July and to urge people to report nonpermitted fireworks to the City of Escondido nonemergency line.
The officials said illegal fireworks cause injuries and start fires and encouraged celebration that avoids risk to people and animals. "Every year, our crews respond to fires and injuries that are caused by illegal fireworks. It's not worth the risk," Fire Chief John Tanger said. He told residents, "To report non permitted fireworks, please call the City of Escondido non emergency line and provide your location." The announcement did not include a phone number.
Council Member Joe Garcia, speaking from Mountain View Park in District 2, also appealed to residents to avoid fireworks in neighborhood settings. "Fireworks are great," Garcia said. "They help us celebrate such a wonderful, wonderful, and important occasion for us as a country. But the reality is that they scare kids, they scare dogs, they scare our neighbors, and they start fires. So please, we're here in this beautiful park here in District 2, Mountain View Park, and I know that a lot come over and start fireworks. So please don't do that. Let's be safe." Garcia said residents should prioritize safety while celebrating.
The remarks were presented as public-safety announcements rather than as part of a formal council motion or vote. No enforcement actions, fines, or changes to city policy were proposed or recorded during these remarks. The speakers directed residents to the City of Escondido nonemergency line for reporting; the transcript did not specify the number or provide procedural details about what information the city requires when residents call.
City officials often issue similar reminders before major holidays; in this instance, the two short announcements emphasized safety for people and animals and asked residents to report illegal fireworks to the nonemergency line. The council recording indicates the messages were delivered near the start of the meeting agenda as civic reminders to the community.
