Illegal Possession of Fireworks Challenges CCPD

The illegal possession and discharge of aerial and exploding fireworks challenges police and fire departments.

CATHEDRAL CITY — No matter how many times and how many different ways community leaders say that all fireworks are prohibited in this community, some knuckleheads thumb their noses at the ordinance, making the illegal possession and discharge of aerial and exploding fireworks a challenge for police and fire departments.

If you need proof, consider this: During July Fourth of 2021, CCPD officers responded to 213 calls for service and Firefighters responded to 25 fire emergency calls, 4 of which were fire related. Of those 213 PD calls, 118 were related to the discharge of fireworks, according to a staff report Fire Chief John Muhr prepared.

On March 2225, 2020, the City Council voted to repeal the ordinance permitting “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Cathedral City. With the repeal of the “Safe and Sane” fireworks ordinance, and the adoption of the 2019 California Fire Code, all fireworks are prohibited in Cathedral City. Repeat, all.

Yet, the illegal possession and discharge of aerial and exploding fireworks continues to be a challenge for the police and fire departments.

In anticipation of the upcoming July Fourth weekend, the police department is looking to be
proactive in enforcing laws around illegal firework activity.

Beginning this month, police and fire staff will advertise through social media platforms reminding everyone that all fireworks are illegal in Cathedral City.

During the holiday weekend beginning on Friday, June 30, the police department will add additional personnel to help with the response and enforcement related to fireworks activity. These additional officers will assist and supplement the regularly scheduled officers.

Additionally, the fire department will be sending out a large direct mailer to all citizens of Cathedral City. Public works will place firework signs throughout the city, which included three lighted billboard signs at major entrances to the city.

An operational plan and list of laws pertaining to illegal fireworks will be distributed to on-duty officers, providing information on the enforcement of illegal fireworks. Subjects who are found to be in possession of and/or discharging fireworks will face criminal charges. The police department will be proactive in enforcing fireworks related violations.

Confiscated fireworks will be disposed of in coordination with the Fire Department.

Muhr will present the action plan at the City Council Study Session at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Normally no action is taken on Study Session items, however, the City Council reserves the right to give specific policy direction and take specific action as necessary.