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Tracy police and fire chiefs warn residents: illegal fireworks can mean $1,000 fines and misdemeanor charges
Summary
Tracy Police Chief Seikou Millington and Tracy Fire Chief Randall Bradley urged residents to avoid illegal fireworks, saying violations start at $1,000 in fines, may carry misdemeanor charges, and can lead to liability for emergency response costs. They asked neighbors to report incidents to the non-emergency police line.
Tracy Police Chief Seikou Millington and Tracy Fire Chief Randall Bradley jointly warned residents that fireworks that are not classified as "safe and sane" are illegal and pose risks of injury and fire.
The chiefs said violations can result in fines starting at $1,000 and misdemeanor charges. They added that people who use, possess or sell illegal fireworks may be held responsible for the full cost of emergency responses — including police and fire personnel, equipment, labor time and any damages — and that multiple people tied to a property or event can be cited.
The notice clarified that liability is not limited to the person igniting fireworks: property owners, renters, hosts and parents or guardians of minors involved in a violation may also face penalties. The officials emphasized that these measures reflect public-safety concerns, citing the potential for injuries and fires that can endanger the wider community.
Officials urged anyone who sees illegal fireworks in their neighborhood to call the Tracy Police Department non-emergency line at (209) 831-6550 to report the incident. The message concluded with thanks to residents for helping keep the community safe.
The advisory was delivered as a joint statement by the two department heads; no new ordinance number, statute citation, or formal vote was included in the recorded message.
