The City of Manteca is hoping to crack down on illegal fireworks. A new ordinance will make it easier to cite and fine people who break the law.
Illegal fireworks are responsible for human injuries, grass fires and roof fires.
In Manteca illegal fireworks are a problem year round but particularly on the 4th of July and New Year's.
Manteca Fire Marshall Lantz Rey says the only way under current law to issue a citation is if a police officer or firefighter sees somebody near illegal fireworks with a match in hand.
"There are many times we come across fireworks that have just been shot and the tubes are still there and it's very clear who's responsible, however, because we're limited in our ability to enforce the code, we're looking for an opportunity to change that," says Rey.
Rey says a task force is drawing up a new ordinance that would fine homeowners where the fireworks were set.
The fine could be $1,000.
He says the ordinance could be ready to go before the city council by January.
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