83 fireworks calls, 500 contacts made during July 4 coordinated police, fire response response effort helped reduce illegal fireworks use despite higher call volume
A coordinated Independence Day enforcement effort by the Folsom Police Department, Folsom Fire Department and city residents helped contribute to a safer Fourth of July holiday, according to the City of Folsom, even as dispatchers handled a sharp increase in calls during the busiest hours of the night.
From July 1 through July 5, the city received 83 fireworks-related calls for service, according to the city. Folsom Police and Folsom Fire officials noted that multiple calls are often received for the same incident. During the holiday response period, the two departments issued four misdemeanor citations for illegal or dangerous fireworks.
Folsom Police also reported that more than 500 individuals were contacted on July 4 regarding fireworks-related incidents. Between 8 and 11 p.m. that night, the city’s Communications Center received 227 calls, representing a 32% increase in call volume compared to last Fourth of July.
Despite the higher call volume, the city said the overall use of illegal fireworks appeared noticeably lower than in previous years. Officials attributed the apparent reduction to proactive enforcement, public education and residents who chose to celebrate responsibly and report unsafe activity.
Police officers and arson investigators conducted proactive enforcement throughout the holiday period. While the evening was noticeably quieter than in years past, the Folsom Fire Department responded to three fires believed to have been caused by fireworks, including two vegetation fires and one backyard fire that ignited a fence and other combustibles. Firefighters quickly contained the fires before they could cause more damage.
As part of the response to those incidents, public safety personnel opened two fire-related investigations, including one arson investigation and one reckless burning investigation. According to Folsom Police, both case reports involved grass fires caused by fireworks. Both investigations remain ongoing.
“Protecting our community requires a shared commitment,” said City Manager Bryan Whitemyer. “This year’s results demonstrate what can be accomplished when residents, our Police Department, and our Fire Department work together. While there is still work to do, we are encouraged by the apparent reduction in illegal fireworks and appreciate everyone who helped make this Independence Day safer for our neighborhoods.”
“Our officers maintained a visible presence in neighborhoods throughout the holiday, and that commitment will continue in the years ahead,” said Police Chief Adam Green. “Illegal fireworks put lives and property at risk, and our department will continue to enforce the law and hold violators accountable to keep Folsom safe.”
“Each of these fires started small and could have ended very differently,” said Fire Chief Jason Solak. “Dry conditions in July leave no margin for error, and a single illegal firework can put an entire neighborhood at risk. We urge residents to continue celebrating safely and leave illegal fireworks out of the festivities.”
The city thanked residents who celebrated responsibly and reported illegal activity, as well as police officers, firefighters, dispatchers and public safety staff who worked throughout the holiday period.
City officials also reminded residents that only State Fire Marshal-approved “safe and sane” fireworks are legal in Folsom. Any fireworks that leave the ground or explode are illegal and can result in fines of up to $5,000 per violation, as well as fires, injuries and property damage.
More information about fireworks safety and enforcement in Folsom is available atwww.folsom.ca.us/fireworks.
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