Escondido fire chief, councilmember urge safe Fourth of July, warn against illegal fireworks

Escondido Fire Chief John Tanger and Councilmember Joe Garcia urged residents to avoid illegal fireworks ahead of the July 4 holiday, warning they cause injuries, frighten children and pets and can start fires.

In brief remarks included in the meeting record, 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 added: "To report non permitted fireworks, please call the city of Escondido non emergency line and provide your location." (The meeting recording did not list a phone number.)

Councilmember Joe Garcia, speaking from Mountain View Park in District 2, similarly appealed for caution. "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," Garcia said, urging residents not to set off fireworks in the park or neighborhoods.

The remarks focused on public-safety risks rather than proposed policy changes or enforcement details. No motions, votes or new ordinances were proposed during these announcements. The speakers directed residents to report non-permitted fireworks to the city's non-emergency line; the recording did not provide further detail about enforcement procedures or contact numbers.

Escondido officials frequently issue similar safety reminders before holidays. Residents seeking the correct phone number for non-emergency reports should consult the City of Escondido's official website or contact city hall for the most current contact information.