Agenda Item Wording:
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Fire Department Illegal Fireworks Presentation - Receive a presentation on proactive efforts being undertaken to deter the use of illegal fireworks while celebrating Independence Day.
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Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
Prepared by: Corbin Reed, Fire Marshal, corbin.reed@visalia.gov, (559)713-4272, Dan Griswold, Fire Chief, dan.griswold@visalia.gov, (559)713-4220.
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends Council receive a presentation on the 4th of July fireworks detail focused on deterring the use of illegal fireworks.
Summary:
The Visalia Fire Department will once again be partnering with the Visalia Police Department to perform proactive fireworks education and enforcement during the Independence Day holiday. Life safety and fire prevention is again the primary mission, and messaging will be disseminated to the community through social media and printed materials. Dedicated patrols and a call center will be operational on the nights of July 3rd and July 4th. The call center is available for community members to report the use of illegal fireworks. The information received by the call center is relayed to patrols in the field to focus efforts on where the illegal activity is happening.
Background Discussion:
As Independence Day nears and celebrations begin, the Visalia Fire Department is coordinating proactive City efforts to deter the use of illegal fireworks.
In 2021, Council substantially increased the fines issued for the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Visalia. The fee structure now begins at $2,000 for the first violation, escalates to $3,000 for the second violation, and to $4,000 for the third violation and each additional violation. Violations are tracked over a three-year period meaning, if a resident received a citation last year for $2,000, and is cited again this year, this year's citation will be $3,000. In 2025 a total of 73 citations were issued. Citations were primarily issued on the 4th of July, h...
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