Ahead of the July 4 celebrations, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to report illegal fireworks activity. Authorities are offering rewards of up to $500 for information leading to reports of illegal fireworks.
San Luis Obispo County is offering a $500 reward to residents who provide tips about illegal fireworks through Crime Stoppers ahead of July 4
The Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers to deter the possession, sale, and use of illegal fireworks across the county.
According to the official County of San Luis Obispo Government website, all unpermitted fireworks are prohibited in the county’s unincorporated areas, including the communities of Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston, and Santa Margarita. While individual fire protection districts enforce their own regulations, most have adopted similar bans on the use of illegal fireworks. Also, each use counts as a separate offense, so more than one fine can be given for a single incident.
In addition, criminal penalties include fines starting at $2,000 for the possession or use of dangerous fireworks, as well as felony charges for possessing over 500 pounds of fireworks. According to 23ABC Bakersfield, safe and sane fireworks are permitted only in Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande on July 4, between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Office says illegal fireworks are a serious public safety risk that can cause fires, injuries, and property damage. It can also negatively affect pets, livestock, veterans, and others sensitive to loud noises, reports CalCoastNews.
Officials are urging the public to report any information about illegal fireworks possession or sales by calling the Fireworks Reporting Hotline at (805) 781-1933. Anonymous tips can also be shared through Crime Stoppers via phone at (805) 549-7867, the free P3 Tips app, or the Crime Stoppers website.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK OFFERING REWARDS FOR TIPS ON ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IS A GOOD CALL?
