April 29, 2025
City Council
DATE: April 29, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana
Subject:
Increasing Fines for Fireworks in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) areas
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Staff time to draft ordinance amendment
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
September 20, 2011
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Increasing fines for firework related violations to deter the use of illegal fireworks in efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zone areas.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance amending the Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 11.05
Fireworks to triple fines for fireworks-related violations specifically in high-risk zones to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance public safety - Councilmember Soheila Bana
(510-672-3490). This item was continued from the
April 22, 2025, meeting.
DISCUSSION:
AGENDA
REPORT
April 29, 2025
Illegal fireworks pose a significant threat to public safety, particularly in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone areas, where the risk of wildfire is extremely high due to the abundance of dry vegetation and proximity to structures. Wildfires caused by fireworks can result in devastating property damage, loss of life, displacement of residents, and significant environmental harm. Fireworks also cause trauma to residents, pets, and veterans, amplifying the urgency to address this issue. Fires ignited by fireworks can spread rapidly, threatening lives, homes, and natural resources.
Increased fines would serve as a stronger deterrent against engaging in illegal fireworks activities in these high-risk zones.
In efforts to deter the use of illegal fireworks – drafting an ordinance amendment to enhance penalties for fireworks related violations, specifically in high-risk zones, aims to mitigate risks and enhance public safety.
The proposed ordinance amendment would support the Richmond Police Department’s efforts to monitor and address fireworks-related incidents, particularly during high-risk periods such as New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Ord. No. 21-11 N.S., § 1, 9-20-2011
Attachment 2 – Amended Chapter 11.05