Each year serious injuries, deaths and millions of dollars in property loss occur from the use of illegal fireworks. Legal consumer fireworks that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations can be relatively safe, but all fireworks are hazardous and can cause injury if proper safety measures are not practiced.
During holidays, emergency services experience a higher volume of calls often causing significant impact to first responder resources. To better address the use, possession and launching of illegal fireworks in Elk Grove, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-063 allowing for the issuance of fines of $1,000 for each individual dangerous firework in possession or launched.
Host Liability
In addition to the increased fines, Council adopted section 17.06.035 Host Liability. This section of the ordinance holds a host who permits or fails to prevent any discharge of dangerous fireworks on a property under their possession or control, or on an adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, shall be deemed to have actual or constructive knowledge that dangerous fireworks have been discharged if the host has not taken all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks.
Enforcement Efforts
On the 4th of July holiday, the Elk Grove Police Department, in partnership with Code Enforcement, patrol the city responding to calls for service regarding the use of illegal fireworks. Drones are used as First Responders and assist in responding to calls for service. Read additional information on EGPD’s UAS Program.
Property owners or hosts that fail to prevent the discharge of illegal fireworks will be issued fines at $1,000 per dangerous firework.
Resources
- Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 17.06 Illegal Fireworks
- Resolution No. 2024-063
- Administrative Appeal Information
File a Complaint
If you observe illegal fireworks being set off, please call the Elk Grove Police Department’s non-emergency line at (916) 714-5115.