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Fire marshal and police chief outline fireworks enforcement, reporting tools and safety tips ahead of July 4
Summary
Atwater’s fire marshal and police chief briefed the council June 23 on illegal-fireworks reports, how residents can use a mapping app to report incidents in real time, enforcement fines (starting at $1,000 and escalating for repeat offenses) and staffing plans for July 4; the police chief said the drone operator is unavailable and explained safety risks for drone use.
Fire Marshal Carvallo and Police Chief McEachin told the Atwater City Council on June 23 that the city will step up enforcement and monitoring around July 4.
Carvallo reviewed a map of illegal-fireworks reports and citations (95 reports and nine citations in 2023; 43 reports in 2024 with an increase in citations in some areas) and showed residents how to use the NELA map and city links to report fireworks. He urged residents to never use illegal fireworks, to keep a bucket of water nearby, and to soak spent fireworks overnight before disposal. "Just remember that the city of Atwater police department will be out there, enforcing, and it will be $1,000 fine if you get caught with illegal fireworks," Carvallo said.
Police Chief McEachin said the department will run an "all-hands" day on July 4 with additional dispatch staff monitoring the reporting app; officers will be assigned to traffic control and firework suppression. He noted the muni code increases fines for repeat offenses (second citation within one year raises the fine to $2,000 and a third to $3,000) and said the department will monitor reports in real time and dispatch suppression teams accordingly. The chief also said their lone certified drone operator is no longer available and explained the safety and cost risks of drone deployment near fireworks.
Both chiefs encouraged pet owners to keep animals indoors and to use noise mitigation strategies. Councilmembers had no further questions. The city urged residents to use posted resources and QR codes to find reporting instructions.
