Email And Mobile Reporting Of Illegal Fireworks In City of Gilroy

From the City of Gilroy:

June 25, 2020

Gilroy, like many cities, has experienced an increase in illegal fireworks activity. The Gilroy Police Department understands illegal fireworks can:

• Cause injuries or death
• Cause fires
• Cause respiratory distress
• Frighten adults and children
• Frighten and distress animals/pets
• Disrupt sleep

While law enforcement agencies have been focused on dealing with COVID-19 and civil unrest matters, the ability to detect and seize illegal fireworks has decreased. This may partially explain the uptick in the use of illegal fireworks in our area. In addition, catching offenders can be difficult, but Gilroy officers are still doing their best to locate and identify individuals responsible for using them. Gilroy officers will be stepping up enforcement through the July the 4th weekend.

Using illegal fireworks can lead to fines and imprisonment. Administrative penalties in the City of Gilroy start at $500 per violation, and can reach $1,000 for repeat offenders.

In addition to the Nail ‘Em mobile reporting app, which can be used to report illegal fireworks on July 4th, between 7:00 p.m. and midnight (the application will only be monitored during this time period), Gilroy residents may report fireworks violations anytime via email to:

fireworks@cityofgilroy.org

Please include as much detail as possible, to include:

• Exact location where fireworks are being used
• Name of offender(s) if known or description
• Type of fireworks (aerial fireworks, firecrackers, mortars, etc.)
• Date and time or usual times of occurrence
• Attach/upload photos or videos if possible
• Indicate whether you wish to be contacted or remain anonymous

Please note that email reporting is not monitored 24-hours a day. If you require immediate attention, call our non-emergency line at 408-846-0350.

**Please do not call 9-1-1 to report fireworks, as these lines are needed for emergencies.

This press release was produced by the City of Gilroy. The views expressed here are the author’s own.