Latest news with #illegalfireworks
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Franklin illegal fireworks raid, 'street takeovers' investigation
The Brief Federal agents raided a Franklin home as part of an illegal fireworks investigation. The investigation was tied to "street takeovers," during which fireworks are used. Newly unsealed warrants show the investigation focused on a 20-year-old man. FRANKLIN, Wis. - Federal agents raided a Franklin home on Thursday night as part of an illegal fireworks investigation tied to "street takeovers." What we know Newly unsealed warrants show the investigation focused on a 20-year-old man. No charges have been filed, but the suspect is believed to be associated with street takeovers, during which fireworks are used. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Agents with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives searched a home on Heatheridge Court. They found 13 commercial-grade mortar shells, 33 flash devices and nine three-inch homemade mortar shells. Dig deeper Milwaukee leaders said street takeovers include speeding cars, burnouts, fireworks and huge crowds. The events, often fueled by social media, can block intersections as spectators watch cars perform reckless acts. In May, the Milwaukee Police Department said it would conduct directed patrol missions – five teams on the north side, five on the south side – in an effort to curb the events. MPD also created a map of 52 locations where takeovers were happening. The Source FOX6 News obtained documents filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and referenced prior coverage of street takeovers for information in this report.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
Yolo County increases fine for illegal fireworks use to $1,000 per violation
WOODLAND — One month out from the July 4 holiday, Yolo County is cracking down on illegal fireworks use. At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board unanimously approved amendments to the county's illegal fireworks ordinance for the first time in nearly 25 years. What used to be a first-time violation of only $100 for illegal firework use in unincorporated parts of the county is now ramped up to $1,000 per firework violation, ten times higher. The move follows in the steps of the City of Woodland, which the county consulted as it worked to adopt its new ordinance. Woodland implemented the new $1,000 fine last year. The city's fire and police departments both call it a success, saying the steep fines send a strong message and keep people safe on one of their busiest nights of the year: July 4. "We don't want to have to, between us and the fire department, respond to people significantly injured or, in the case we had several years ago, an entire house burn down," said Sgt. Ryan Bowler with the Woodland Police Department. Woodland PD also ramped up their enforcement with the ramped-up fine. The Nail 'Em app allows neighbors to anonymously report nearby illegal firework usage, which prevents those calls from tying up police dispatch lines. Woodland PD also started warning homeowners with door hangers to let them know a potential violation had been observed before issuing a citation. Anything that is not considered a "safe and sane" firework is illegal in the city of Woodland. The department reports they've already seen illegal fireworks popping off this week. "Last year, we did utilize our drone team on the 4th of July, which was beneficial to see where the fireworks were coming from," said Bowler. "We are expanding our drone team in general as a department, so having the opportunity to go out and help with the enforcement of this is critical to the mission of preserving property and preserving lives if somebody is significantly injured." On July 4, 2024, Woodland PD says it issued 33 illegal firework citations, totaling over $110,000 in fines. That does not include a criminal citation and arrest of one man who was fined a whopping $120,000 after being found with 120 illegal firework mortars last year. The new fines are helping the city reduce fire risk. "I think it does make a difference. It's decreased calls into our dispatch center, we've been able to catch people in the act and in the process of," said Bowler. Yolo County's crackdown comes as fire season is in full force. The perfect example came Tuesday when Woodland Fire crew raced to fight a fast-moving fire near E Kentucky Ave. and County Road 102. It's a picture of what they are trying to prevent now, one month out from July 4, when fireworks can spark unintentional fires that can rapidly spread out of control. Yolo County's new ordinance goes a step further than bumping up the fine. It also bans "safe and sane" fireworks in the county's fire risk zones labeled "high" and "very high" risk as designated by Cal Fire. Maps show much of the county west of Esparto falls into that category. "I think it'll be good for the rural fire departments also," said Matt Flint, Woodland's Fire Marshal. Flint says one year in, the city's stricter fines have been a success story. "We saw a dramatic decrease in fires and also grass fires, calls for service," said Flint. "It's an exciting time that Woodland is being a pioneer in firework safety." Yolo County's new crackdown ordinance is expected to be in effect by the July 4 holiday. Woodland PD says residents can report illegal fireworks to their designated email line at fireworks@ and on the Nail 'Em app.
CBS News
21-05-2025
- CBS News
More than 100,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized in Los Angeles County
Authorities in Los Angeles County seized more than 100,000 pounds of illegal fireworks on Wednesday. According to CAL FIRE, the Office of the State Fire Marshal conducted the seizure in Commerce, where it responded to reports that a fireworks importer and exporter wasn't following the requirements of a licensee, despite being a licensed vendor. CAL FIRE did not immediately reveal what regulations were broken by the vendor. "As we approach the 4th of July and a typical increase in usage of illegal fireworks, this seizure should be a reminder of our zero tolerance to illegal fireworks in California," said California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. More than $4 million in property loss has been caused by fireworks-related fires since January, CAL FIRE said. Illegal fireworks in California include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells and firecrackers, among others. As of 4 p.m., no additional details were immediately made available.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hawaii elected officials won't be above illegal fireworks crackdown
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The state Department of Law Enforcement is getting serious about cracking down on illegal fireworks thanks to new legislation. Illegal fireworks have exploded across Hawaii with little consequence for years, but resulted in tragedy in the first seconds of 2025 in Aliamanu. Newly passed legislation funds the DLE to the tune of $7.6 million to go after offenders. Medical Examiner identifies 3-year-old boy killed in Aliamanu fireworks incident 'Where things will be different is these are new sets of tools that law enforcement can use and investigators can and also prosecution,' said Sen. Brandon Elefante. Among those tools are the fact that the state illegal fireworks task force was extended — eight full time positions focused on enforcement were also funded. 'To be able to go after, basically repeat offenders and people violating our illegal fireworks laws that, really it's about health and safety of our communities,' Sen. Elefante said. Sixth person dies from Oahu fireworks tragedy: 'Murder is murder' 'I think the beauty of this new law is that it gives our foot in the door to bigger investigations, because we may see the drone, the drone may fly over, we may see what is only going to be a civil violation. But when we go there to cite, we go out and see the illegal fireworks in open view, which may lead to a larger investigations,' said DLE Director Mike Lambert. Lambert added that while the vast majority of illegal fireworks come through ports, some do come through the mail but he will focus on shipping container seizures during his said the public's long standing frustration has fueled the push for results. 'The biggest thing that hurts public trust is, 'How can it be this bad,' Right? 'How is it possible? Who is involved?' And those are all of the things that in my new position, we're going to find out,' Lambert said. 'And if those people along the way are government workers then, well, you know, expect to be prosecuted.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Four fireworks-related bills made it through the Legislature in 2025 and director Lambert said he expects Gov. Josh Green to sign them into law before the Fourth of July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
