Sacramento council adopts tighter illegal-fireworks rules, raises penalties to $10,000

Sacramento City Council on Tuesday approved amendments to Sacramento City Code section 8.48 that raise penalties for illegal fireworks and shorten the permitted hours for consumer fireworks.

The council adopted the ordinance after a public hearing and lengthy discussion about enforcement, outreach and public-safety risks. Fire Marshal Jason Lim told the council the updates increase fines for possession, manufacture, sale or use of dangerous fireworks to $10,000 and reduce the curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m., so fireworks will be prohibited from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following day.

“This change will reduce the hours allowed from 11 p.m. down to 10 p.m.,” Fire Marshal Jason Lim said during his presentation, summarizing the proposed curfew change and other enforcement provisions.

Nut graf: Councilmembers and public speakers framed the action as a public-safety measure aimed at reducing fires, injuries and neighborhood disruption. Supporters urged…