Sentinel staff report–
The Citrus Heights Police Department said an “overwhelming number” of fireworks-related calls were received over the July 4th weekend, according to a news release issued Wednesday afternoon.
Police said approximately 457 fireworks related calls were received through the department’s dispatch center from July 3-4, representing more than half of the total calls handled by the department over that period. The department said there were also 396 “routine calls for service,” such as crimes, medical calls, domestic violence incidents, and traffic collisions received during the same time.
Last year, police reported just 189 calls related to fireworks around Independence Day, with prior years typically being in the 100-200 call range, with the exception of 306 calls reported in 2016.
Related: Citrus Heights PD can now cite landlords, renters where illegal fireworks are set off
In the past, police have said it was difficult for officers to determine who ignited an illegal firework, resulting in little to no citations. But with the passage of a new “social host” ordinance this year, police said a total of 16 hosts were identified and will be cited by the department’s Code Enforcement unit.
The new ordinance allows for citation of landlords, renters and hosts of events where illegal fireworks were discharged, a tool police said was needed to crack down on repeat “problem” homes. Fines start at $750 for the first offense.
Police said a total of three structure fires and eight brush fires occurred on Saturday and Sunday, but said fireworks were not a confirmed source of ignition for any of the fires — although fireworks were listed as a “possible cause” for several of the brush fires.
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