Norwalk officials and sheriffs crack down on illegal fireworks

City officials and local law enforcement are cracking down on increased usage of Illegal fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK — Norwalk residents hear illegal fireworks explode throughout the nights leading up to the Fourth of July. As the holiday approaches, city officials and local sheriffs are cracking down on illegal fireworks in an attempt to prevent a potentially dangerous Independence Day.

Any firework that explodes or shoots in the air is considered illegal.

Road signs and social media posts remind the community of the penalties for possession, transportation and discharge of illegal fireworks. While jail time is unlikely, the perpetrator can face fines up to $3,000.

“We have seen an increase in the use of illegal fireworks in the city,” said Norwalk Mayor Jennifer Perez. “The signs and social media posts are reminders to our residents that illegal fireworks are prohibited and there are financial consequences.”

Norwalk Sheriff Station Watch Commander Lieutenant Brian Sanford says law enforcement has not yet found any large caches of illegal fireworks in the city. He stated that there is no specific area where the fireworks are coming from, but law enforcement usually finds them in the days leading up to the holiday.

“July 1 through July 5 is when we catch most of the illegal fireworks,” said Sanford. “As it gets closer to July Fourth, we will get anonymous calls with addresses that our team will follow up on.”

Mayor Perez said she sympathizes with the community, as she also hears fireworks explode throughout the night.

“The public safety department will be at maximum deployment and extra LASD deputies will be actively patrolling the city on the Fourth of July,” said the mayor. “Historically we see an increase in the number of calls on July Fourth.”

Illegal fireworks can cause harm to everyone around them, as the explosives are known fire hazards.

“Rockets go up, it’s dry, and palm trees catch fire. We get a lot of calls about that on July Fourth,” described Sanford. “Sometimes they go off faster than people think. They blow up in people’s faces and fingers get blown off.”

When a firework goes off during the night, there is often confusion among the community of whether the explosion was a firework or a gunshot.

“They sound very similar. On the fourth, it could be a gunshot, and oftentimes it is a gunshot late in the evening,” says Sanford. “It gets hectic out there, but if we get reports of a gunshot, we will of course come check it out.”

The lieutenant encouraged residents to report anyone they see with illegal fireworks and their location, so they can follow up later the next day.

“Norwalk Sheriff’s Department and Public Safety Department do all they can to catch offenders and hold them accountable,” said Mayor Perez. “Stopping the use of illegal fireworks requires a team effort, and we rely on our residents to assist by reporting illegal firework usage.”