Orange County Prepares for Fireworks Crackdown

As Independence Day approaches, cities across Orange County, California, are ramping up efforts to combat illegal fireworks. Traditionally, enforcing fireworks laws has been challenging for local police, who must witness the act to issue citations. However, this year, several cities are adopting a new strategy: the social host ordinance. This approach holds property owners accountable if illegal fireworks are used on their premises.

Buena Park, Stanton, and Anaheim are among the cities implementing these measures. Buena Park plans to increase fines significantly, with penalties for illegal fireworks use and social host violations rising from $1,000 to as much as $6,000 for repeat offenses. Councilwoman Susan Sonne suggested considering a complete ban on all fireworks, citing safety concerns and property damage.

The push for stricter enforcement comes amid rising firework-related injuries, which increased by 43% last year, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Some cities, like Irvine and Laguna Beach, have already banned all fireworks, including those deemed "safe and sane."

Illegal fireworks are a statewide issue, with many coming from Nevada, where they are legal. California's state fire marshal recently highlighted the problem, noting that more than 120 tons of illegal fireworks have been seized this year. Efforts are underway to create an interstate compact with Nevada to curb the cross-border flow of illegal fireworks.

The social host ordinance is gaining traction as a potential solution to the ongoing fireworks problem. Stanton Mayor David Shawver has called for discussions on the ordinance, emphasizing the need to address the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, including fire risks and the impact on pets and veterans.