An Orange County homeowner was fined $300,000 for allegedly setting off illegal fireworks, a citation that one city hopes will discourage people from using them.
Stanton issued 18 citations totaling nearly $1 million in fines for using illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July. It informed the public that it would be cracking down on the use of illegal gadgets.
Stanton Mayor David Shawver reported that the homeowner with the highest fine received a citation of $1,000 for each illegal firework they ignited.
“Can you imagine 300 unlawful loud booms going off for five hours straight in your residential neighborhood? That’s why they ended up with that,” Shawver explained.
According to the mayor, drones helped document unlawful fireworks displays on Independence Day. The other 17 people who were cited for using the devices face fines ranging from $1,000 to several hundred thousand.
The mayor stated, “People will not believe you if you repeatedly raise alarms.” “But then if they have to step up and be held accountable, that accountability makes a lot of difference.”
Shawver said he thinks his city’s strict policy against illicit fireworks use will help prevent harm or death.
Jasmine Nguyen, 8, died at a Fourth of July party after being injured during an illegal fireworks display. According to police, a homeowner misfired toward the home where the child was, causing other illegal fireworks to explode and strike her. Following her death, a 46-year-old man was detained.
Shawver stated that anyone who receives a citation from the city for unauthorized fireworks use has the opportunity to appeal.
