21 citations issued for illegal fireworks in Modesto

MODESTO -- Plenty of fireworks lit up the sky Wednesday night in various neighborhoods throughout Modesto, only these explosives weren’t part of any sanctioned Fourth of July event.

“Fireworks were going off everywhere, especially the ones that go up in the sky that are obviously illegal,” said Modesto police Lt. Jolene Gonzales.

On Wednesday alone, Modesto police cited 21 people for either possessing or using illegal fireworks, Gonzales said. The citations issued Wednesday were for offenders possessing less than 25 pounds of illegal fireworks, which result in administrative fines of $750. The fines escalate by the poundage of fireworks seized. Those who are caught with more than 100 pounds could face a minimum $5,000 fine and up to a year in the county jail.

Anything that flies — and some fireworks can soar to 300 feet — is forbidden because it can start vegetation fires and ignite shake roofs. Other types resemble small bombs and can be extremely dangerous, officials say.

Officials say the illegal fireworks are sophisticated, but the people using them are not. Authorities fear an aerial firework is launched into the sky before the explosive comes down and lands on a nearby home.