We the people of California demand that the possession and use of ANY amount of illegal fireworks be made a felony conviction as a California State Law, and that this law be enforced in every town, city and municipality in the State of California!

Hundreds of cities and communities throughout our State are experiencing an extreme influx of these explosives devices and are being bombarded by them on a daily basis. This illegal activity must be stopped!

ONLY controlled exhibitions on July 4th should be allowed, monitored by a professional pyrotechnician. 'Safe and sane' fireworks can also be dangerous and potentially destructive when not used responsibly and might be considered to be included in the law.

The use of explosive fireworks by anyone other than a professional pyrotechnician is dangerous and potentially deadly. The National Fire Protection Association estimates nearly 19,000 fires are started by fireworks annually. 

In 2020 the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to nearly 400 fires, the San Francisco Fire Department reported at least 100 grass fires, and Fresno saw at least 135 fires, most started by fireworks. Many other communities in California have experienced fire damages as a result of these explosives well.

The penalties for possession and use of illegal fireworks must be severe. Fines must be substantial, and increased for repeat offenders. All convictions must include a mandatory jail sentence and multiple convictions for repeat offenders might be considered to be subject to the California 'three strikes' rule.

All property owners and tenants of properties throughout the State where there is evidence of illegal fireworks being possessed or used must be substantially fined. The citizens of California must be notified that such measures will exist.

Our Border Agents must be required to take greater responsibility for ensuring that these explosive devices do not make it past the border into California. They must be required to conduct thorough vehicle searches at all major border crossings, confiscating any illegal explosives and detaining the criminals for prosecution. This would ultimately result in less access to these devices in our State.

For Combat Veterans, especially those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, these explosions are particularly difficult to deal with, and could trigger serious mental health consequences. Those with non-combat PTSD are also profoundly affected.

For those on the autism spectrum, the unexpected and violent nature of any type of fireworks can cause anxiety and stress, and for those with sensory issues, fireworks can be extremely distressing.

Many of our elderly residents are affected. Fireworks, whether they are illegal or 'safe and sane' in our neighborhoods, can adversely effect those experiencing alzheimer's and dementia.

People with heart issues are affected. When the tiny particles and gases in smoke from fireworks are breathed into the lungs, it can cause asthma attacks, worsen chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and cause angina in some people with heart disease.

For people without PTSD, not on the autism spectrum and without these health issues it is a nightly nightmare to live in an environment where they are subjected to frequent explosions. It makes them wonder, did something explode, is someone hurt, is there gunfire, should I call the police? Our citizens demand that we not be subjected to the effects of illegal fireworks!

Animals are affected on many levels. Numerous owners find that they have to sedate their pets due to the explosions, which send the pets into a panic and flight response. Many have died as a direct result.

The impact of fireworks on wildlife can be considerable. The shock of fireworks causes wildlife to flee, and they usually end up in unfamiliar areas or on roadways, flying into obstacles, potentially abandoning their nests, leaving their young exposed to predators.

We are experiencing one of the worst droughts in our history, and the use of these dangerous and potentially deadly explosive devices only amplifies the potential for fires. All it would take is the smallest spark to ignite an entire neighborhood. Think of the damage and potential loss of life.

We the citizens of California demand that the illegal fireworks be stopped immediately. We demand that the State of California intercede and hold local community governments responsible for taking this matter seriously and revising their illegal fireworks ordinance accordingly. 

We all wish for California to be a peaceful, safe and desirable place to call home. Help us to make California a better place to live!

Thank you!

California Illegal Fireworks Accountability

July 6th, 2021

For questions or comments please email us at:

fireworksaccountability@yahoo.com

Twitter @IllegalFirewor1