How to report illegal fireworks in Modesto as local officials warn of health, safety danger

Dominique Williams
·3 min read

Fireworks can be dangerous to your health, safety and the environment, California police and health officials say.

More than 19,500 fires are started by fireworks each year and 15,600 firework injuries were treated in emergency rooms across the country in 2020, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The Modesto Police Department is encouraging residents to report when illegal fireworks are being used.

“As a firefighter, we too often see the grim reality and damage caused by dangerous fireworks,” Modesto Fire Department Capt. Alfonso Zamora said in a Facebook post.

The Valley Air District gives its own warnings about the upcoming holiday, saying that fireworks can threaten public health.

Here’s how you can report illegal fireworks near you, and how to safely celebrate the holiday:

Reporting illegal fireworks in Modesto

Modesto police and the city offer multiple ways for residents to report illegal fireworks.

Reports can be made through the police department’s online reporting portal or through the GoModesto! app available on Apple and Android phones. These reporting tools are not monitored 24/7, according to the city.

Online and app reports will be used for follow-up enforcement, the city said on its website. When making these reports, residents should include the time, date and location of the incident.

If illegal fireworks are occurring “right now,” residents can call the department’s non-emergency line at 209-552-2470, according to the city.

The police department urges residents to only call 911 if there’s an emergency, like an immediate threat to life or property.

“All fireworks vendors in the city of Modesto must obtain a ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks sales permit from a city fire official,” Zamora said. “As a reminder, it is unlawful to posses, store or discharge any fireworks other than ‘Safe and Sane’ in the state of California.”

Penalties for violating fireworks laws can include up to a $50,000 fine as well as a jail sentence up to a year, CalFire said in a new release.

Illegal fireworks, according to CalFire, include:

  • Skyrockets

  • Bottle rockets

  • Roman candles

  • Aerial shells

  • Firecrackers

How to celebrate safely

Personal fireworks emit high levels of fine particulate matter including soot, ash and metals which can cause serious health effects, according to the air district.

Each year, air monitors across the Valley reflect spikes in particulate matter concentrations on the Fourth of July, the district said in a news release. The monitors measure these spikes often four to five times higher than the federal standard, typically during the evening when personal fireworks are being used.

This graph illustrates a spike in particulate levels on July 4, 2022 in the City of Fresno.
This graph illustrates a spike in particulate levels on July 4, 2022 in the City of Fresno.

These particles can invade the bloodstream, get deep into the lungs and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the district. Children, the elderly and people with existing respiratory conditions are the most at-risk.

Exposure can trigger other health issues like headache, coughing, wheezing, sinus irritation, shortness of breath and asthma attacks.

The district is recommended alternatives to personal fireworks to celebrate the holiday including:

  • outdoor movie night

  • silly string

  • glow sticks

  • laser lights

“We are asking valley residents to be mindful and considerate of their neighbors and the many sensitive individuals whose health may be impacted by the emissions that come from lighting personal fireworks,” Samir Sheikh, San Joaquin Valley Air District executive director, said in the release.

How to keep pets safe

Stanislaus Animal Services Agency offered tips to keep dogs comforted and safe while fireworks are being set. To minimize anxiety and stress, dog owners should:

  • Create a safe space- Set up a cozy spot with familiar bedding, toys and a few favorite treats

  • Soundproof- close windows, draw curtains and play soothing music or white noise to drown out fireworks sounds

  • Use anxiety-reducing aids- snug-fitting shirts, calming pheromone diffusers or natural calming supplements recommended by your veterinarian can help reduce anxiety

  • Exercise and mental stimulation- this can tire your dog and make them calmer and more likely to handle stressful situations better