California

Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Fireworks with $1,000 Fines

Authorities throughout the Bay Area are cracking down on illegal fireworks with $1,000 fines per incident.

"The reality is when you play with fire -- literally you could get burned," San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputy Rebecca Rosenblatt said.

California's severe drought is also prompting law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal fireworks.

"I think it's scary," San Bruno-resident Lori De Leon said of fireworks being let off during the drought. "You know there's a lot at stake, especially with the dryness and the fires."

Roseblatt said illegal fireworks are easy to spot.

"Anything that shoots fire all over the place, or shoots into the air," she said. "Anything that explodes."

Rosenblatt said residents who spot illegal fireworks should call police.

With tinder dry grass everywhere, this is not the year to risk it, Rosenblatt said.

"Please leave it to the professionals," she said. "Celebrate safely. Celebrate legally. Make it a good and positive holiday for everybody."

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