City of Victorville officials said the July 4th holiday season means stepped up enforcement efforts to target the sale of illegal fireworks, which includes hefty fines.
City leaders said successful busts for sales and possession of fireworks has resulted in fines of up to $50,000 being assessed in three recent cases involving Victorville businesses and residents.
All fireworks, even those labeled “safe and sane” are illegal in Victorville because of their threat to public safety, city officials said.
Recent cases
The three recent cases in Victorville have in common the active sale and possession of illegal fireworks – one online, one at home, and one at a place of business.
All three of the parties involved, including a resident and two business owners, were cited and issued fines of up to $50,000 each.
The fines are being collected through various means, including property liens and income tax intercepts.
City officials continue to receive complaints regarding illegal online fireworks sales and are actively searching various social media sites and online selling platforms to investigate.
Officials say they are aware that sellers try to mask their fireworks sales by using unique search words.
Additionally, citations and fines for illegal fireworks sales and possession are being issued during other investigations such as code enforcement cases, DUI checkpoints, and probation checks.
Victorville businesses engaged in the sale of illegal fireworks risk losing their city business license. Additionally, individuals found in possession of more than 100 pounds of fireworks can be charged with a felony and face jail time.
Hefty fines
Civil fines ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will be issued to those who are identified, city leaders stated.
According to Victorville Municipal Code, a $1,000 fine can be assessed per firework device. The fine increases to $2,000 for the second offense within six months; and for a third offense within six months, the fine increases to $3,000.
Individuals possessing fireworks can avoid the risk of fines and criminal charges by dropping off their fireworks at any Victorville Fire Station anonymously.
Reporting fireworks
Residents are encouraged to report fireworks sales and activity anonymously to the city at vv.city/reportfireworks.
City officials say the detailed reports received from community members increase the effectiveness of their enforcement efforts.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Don’t get caught with illegal Fourth of July fireworks in the High Desert: Fines are hefty
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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