North County cities crack down on illegal fireworks
New ordinances in Carlsbad, Escondido and Oceanside target property owners, renters and event hosts as officials ramp up enforcement and fines for illegal fireworks
NORTH COUNTY — Cities are stepping up their enforcement of illegal fireworks through new ordinances.
In anticipation of this year’s Fourth of July and the America 250 celebration, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, and others all updated their ordinances to crack down on illegal fireworks. While Fourth of July is perhaps the biggest day for illegal fireworks, law enforcement is flooded with calls on Memorial Day, New Year’s Eve and others.
City officials in each jurisdiction cited the potential increase in risk of fires and injuries, along with the added demand on police and fire services during those days. Additionally, the cities are holding property owners and renters accountable for anyone who uses illegal fireworks at a party, gathering or otherwise.
Over Fourth of July weekend, law enforcement issued nearly $20,000 in fines to violators in Carlsbad, Escondido and Oceanside, according to city officials in those jurisdictions.
