Redwood City police are redirecting some of their resources to respond to ample fireworks complaints in the city.
In the last two weeks, the Redwood City Police Department said it has received over 265 complaints about fireworks, the majority of which occurred between the hours of 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. That’s a busy time for police officers, who in the last two weeks responded to about 2,300 other calls for service during the same time period in Redwood City, according to the Police Department.
“We are going to try and redirect some resources to address the issue,” police said, adding, “But please keep in mind that fireworks enforcement can be particularly challenging.”
Amid the coronavirus lockdown that has canceled sanctioned fireworks shows, complaints over illegal fireworks use are soaring in cities across the nation.
Fireworks are illegal in Redwood City and those caught using them face up to $50,000 in fines and jail time. They risk injury, wildfires and can be traumatic for pets and people with post trauma conditions, officials say. Last year, Redwood City’s council adopted a social host ordinance to hold anyone who hosts or organizes a gathering where fireworks are used accountable. In 2018, the city also increased fines associated with illegal fireworks use to over $500 for the first violation, $750 for the second violation and $1,000 to the third violation. That doesn’t include possible penalties from the state that can range from $500 to $50,000.
Redwood City police ask residents to call its non-emergency number (650-780-7118) to report incidents and to provide specific addresses or identifying information to assist responding officers.
