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Buena Park police and OCFA reviewed July 4 enforcement after illegal‑firework death
Summary
Buena Park police and the Orange County Fire Authority reported intensified holiday outreach and enforcement after an illegal‑firework mishap killed an 8‑year‑old and generated dozens of citations; council heard calls for tighter controls and staff outlined enforcement limits and education efforts.
Buena Park’s police department and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) briefed the City Council on July 4 enforcement and response, citing extensive public‑education efforts, dozens of citations and a tragic death linked to illegal fireworks.
“From July 1 through July 5, a total of 41 administrative citations were issued,” Captain Brad Geier told the council, adding that 37 of those citations were issued on July 4 and 19 were social‑host violations. He said police received 360 fireworks‑related calls during the period and 167 calls on July 4 alone, an increase from 110 the prior year on that date.
The briefing also acknowledged a fatal incident: a young girl was struck by a mortar‑type illegal firework near Cornflower and Stanton at about 9:45 p.m.; officers and fire personnel attempted emergency aid but the child later died, Geier said. OCFA representatives described the broader July 4 workload countywide: on July 4 OCFA filled 667 calls countywide for the day referenced in the report and documented several fireworks‑caused fires, largely dumpster and small vegetation fires.
Council members and public speakers urged stepped‑up enforcement and questioned whether the city’s permissive approach to certain legal fireworks encourages illegal activity. Public commenter Kathy Fortney described the personal toll: “We paid $1,200 to stay in a hotel,” she said, explaining her family left home to protect a veteran spouse and a service dog whose anxiety spikes during fireworks.
Staff described a mix of tactics used for prevention and enforcement: public messaging, banners listing fines, park closures, block‑party restrictions and administrative citations. The city also piloted drone assistance to gather evidence that led to additional citations, Geier said.
Council and staff acknowledged limits: enforcement capacity is finite, and some speakers urged legislative changes to prohibit possession and sale of all fireworks. Staff reiterated that the department will continue education, targeted enforcement and coordination with OCFA and that any significant policy changes may require state action or additional council direction.
The council received the report and did not vote on new fireworks legislation at the meeting; several council members asked staff to return with potential policy options and additional enforcement plans.
