ENFORCEMENT:
Measure C was approved by Salinas voters during the June primary elections in 2016. Its’ passage overturned a ban on all fireworks that was established through City Council Ordinance in 2015. Fireworks that fly or explode are not considered “Safe and Sane” and continue to be illegal within the City of Salinas.
During the weeks leading up to and including the Fourth of July holiday, the SFD and SPD will be conducting additional fire prevention and law enforcement activities to help educate the public to prevent fireworks related fires and burn injuries. Illegal fireworks will be confiscated and the owners/tenants of properties where illegal fireworks were discharged will receive a citation.
Last year, changes in CA law made it difficult for local jurisdictions to confiscate fireworks as they are now considered “hazardous waste” and may only be handled by those specifically licensed to do so. Staff is working with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and CA Department of Toxic Substances (CA DTS) to adhere to evolving regulations.
The plan established by the Salinas Fire Department and Salinas Police Department to address the discharge of illegal fireworks during the lead up to Fourth of July employs a multifaceted approach to prevention efforts and enforcement and is as follows:
Provide for the safety of the public and first responders We will provide for the safety of the public and first responders through practical enforcement efforts. As in previous years, public safety staff will monitor the various platforms used by the public to report illegal fireworks use. In cases where actionable evidence is obtained, verified and/or witnessed by sworn staff, cases will be referred to the Office of the City Attorney for review and possible citation.
Prevent the use of illegal fireworks use through public outreach activities We will work to prevent the use of illegal fireworks through public education efforts that will include:
Large signs “Zero Tolerance” signage will be posted on all fireworks stands and at prominent locations throughout the city.
Printed materials will be distributed to schools and fireworks stands with safety messages.
Newspaper ads with a fireworks safety message will be placed in conjunction with the sale of Safe-and-Sane fireworks.
A “Zero Tolerance” warning letter will be sent to all postal addresses and property managers within the city limits and outline the various methods that illegal fireworks activity can be reported, and the penalties associated with violations. “Violation letters” will be sent to city addresses where illegal firework discharges were reported and/or witnessed last year.
Promotion of the www.salinasfireworks.com website and recently deployed “Salinas Connect” phone application to (1) educate the public on the penalties related to the use of illegal fireworks; and (2) provide information to facilitate reporting of illegal firework discharge anonymously.
Press releases sent to local news outlets and social media to spread the word regarding the hazards of all fireworks and the penalties that accompany the use of illegal fireworks.
Public service announcements will be displayed during movies in local theaters, if applicable, given the current public health orders in effect.
More emphasis will be focused toward social media platforms to help discourage illegal fireworks activity.
During the Fourth of July holiday, the police department will conduct additional practical enforcement. Illegal fireworks will be confiscated where possible and those observed discharging illegal fireworks will receive a citation.
Enforce current codes and ordinances with the support of law enforcement agencies We will execute enforcement with the collaborative efforts by multiple City departments:
Enforcement staff will monitor social media and other person-to-person platforms in attempts to gain intelligence regarding the distribution and sales of illegal fireworks.
Staff will collaborate with allied enforcement agencies such as, but not limited to the U.S. Dept. of Justice ATF, FBI, Monterey County Sheriff, and Monterey County District Attorney.
The Office of the Fire Marshal will monitor reports of illegal fireworks activity and issue administrative citations via mail where reports are duly substantiated by enforcement staff and corroborating evidence.
Fire prevention staff will be assigned to follow-up on reports of illegal fireworks sales and use.
Funds from the 7% surcharge will fund additional secured storage at the new police services building and help to fund proper disposal of confiscated fireworks.
Roaming unmarked patrols units will be deployed throughout the city during the holiday.
We will confiscate illegal fireworks with the assistance of the Monterey County Bomb Squad where feasible and issue administrative and/or criminal citations to violators.
Additional SPD police officers will be assigned to enforcement efforts.
Additional Salinas Fire Department resources will be deployed for emergency responses and to assist with “observing, recording, and reporting” of violations.