NEWS RELEASE
DATE: June 10, 2020
SUBJECT: Illegal Fireworks
LOCATION: City of Oxnard
CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Commander
(805) 385-7600
The City of Oxnard has experienced a dramatic increase in illegal fireworks over the past few weeks. On any given night, the Oxnard Police Department receives dozens of calls about fireworks disturbing. The onslaught of fireworks calls, most of which are non-specific, strains police resources while dealing with a number of competing public safety priorities. With fireworks easily available in nearly 300 cities throughout the state of California, including in Ventura County just a few miles away from Oxnard, people do not acknowledge the danger of fireworks, or simply disregard it. Sadly, the July 4th holiday in 2019 saw a tragic event when a 21-year old male was lighting fireworks on the roof of an apartment building in south Oxnard when a mortar shot up and hit him in the head. He ultimately died on July 10th.
The Oxnard Police Department has diverted resources to address the growing problem of fireworks. Fireworks Suppression Details began on Monday evening and immediately had positive results. On Monday, June 8th, officers contacted an individual in the 700 block of S. “B” Street. The 28-year old male was in possession of dangerous “mortar” type fireworks (See picture). He was issued a citation for two (2) violations of the Oxnard City Code that carry with them a fine of $1250.
On Tuesday, June 9th, the Fireworks Suppression Detail was called to the 4500 block of S. “F” Street where they contacted two (2) individuals in possession of dangerous fireworks. Each individual received a citation that carries with it a fine of $1000. A short time later, officers observed individuals lighting off “mortar” type fireworks in the 200 block of W. Hill Street. A subject was contacted and issued a citation that carries with it a fine of $1000. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to prioritize enforcement of our local fireworks ordinances as the July 4th holiday approaches.
While we have a nationwide culture that embraces fireworks as being part of the Independence holiday, illegal fireworks present a variety of dangers, as evidenced by fires and injuries that are caused by them each year. They have a dramatically negative effect on pets and can be traumatic to our elderly population as well as our military veterans that live in the city. Fireworks make many people frustrated, even angry. Unfortunately, a large segment of our city’s population disregard those negative impacts and continue to engage in illegal fireworks activity.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
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Fireworks Tips via Email (Fireworks@oxnardpd.org)
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You may send the Oxnard Police Department information about specific locations or residences where illegal fireworks are being used. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.
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Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884)
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You may call and leave information anonymously for the Oxnard Police Department about illegal fireworks. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.
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Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740)
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Information about fireworks activity in progress may be called into the Oxnard Police Department on their non-emergency line. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.
In 2018, the City of Oxnard passed a “Fireworks Social Host” ordinance allowing the City to hold residents and property owners responsible for illegal fireworks activity taking place in and on their property. The information received from the hotline and tip email is invaluable in following up and identifying the individuals that continue to break the law and bring unnecessary trauma to our vulnerable populations.
DATE / TIME COMPLETED: 6/10/2020 11:00 a.m.
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