Livingston police to crack down on illegal fireworks

The Livingston Police Department plans to crack down on the use of illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.

Officers, including plainclothes officers, will patrol the city through the holiday weekend in unmarked police cars and will use surveillance cameras to catch those setting off illegal fireworks.

The use of illegal fireworks can result in a fine of up to $1,000, police Chief Ruben Chavez said in a statement.

Chavez said this year, illegal fireworks are more dangerous than usual because the drought increases the risk of fire.

Last year, Chavez said Livingston had a major problem with illegal fireworks. A couple of fires were sparked from illegal fireworks, and many residents called to complain about them, he said.

The police department will only tolerate “safe and sane” fireworks. Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, roman candles and large commercial grade fireworks.

Chavez said he and his department support family gatherings that include fireworks as well as Fourth of July festivities with large firework displays.

“However, the law-abiding community deserves to be safe when (it) comes to others who may celebrate irresponsibly,” he said.

This story was originally published June 25, 2015 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Livingston police to crack down on illegal fireworks."