NEWS RELEASE
DATE/TIME: June 18, 2024 / 9:20PM
SUBJECT: Seizure of Illegal Fireworks
LOCATION: Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, Oxnard
CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander
(805) 385-7746 (Sun-Wed 4PM-2AM)
On the above date and time, Oxnard police officers responded to Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, reference the business selling “mortar” fireworks. Officers responded and located more than ten varieties of illegal fireworks, including both “safe and sane” and “dangerous” fireworks. Over 3,000 individual fireworks were seized, including nine of the large mortar-style dangerous fireworks. The total weight was estimated at 30 pounds.
The business owner was cited for a violation of Oxnard City Code 7-147.1(B)(1).
All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous with risk of significant injuries. Each year, fireworks land on rooftops and cause structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress. They can also be very distressing for pets and their owners. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks.
The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch offenders of fireworks violations, each year the Department prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement.
Any individual caught using or possessing fireworks is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane“ fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.
The Oxnard Police Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely without risk of injury or property damage. We also encourage everyone to respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets by refraining from the use of fireworks.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
• Fireworks Cellphone Line (805-307-6308) Dedicated line specifically for fireworks complaints carried by an NPT officer while on duty to take down specific information of problematic locations where fireworks are occurring.
• Fireworks Tips via Email ([email protected]) Please provide specific information regarding locations, days, and times
• Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous
• Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.
