SJ Police Respond To More Than 2 Dozen Calls, 2 Injuries Due To Fireworks

SAN JOSE, CA -- San Jose police responded to more than two-dozen calls and two injuries, one of which was major, related to fireworks on the Fourth of July, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

Preliminary data showed officers responded to 29 fireworks-related calls on Monday, which resulted in 12 criminal citations, police Officer Albert Morales said.

Officers were also notified of two men injured from fireworks in the area of Everglade Avenue and Cathay Drive around 10 p.m., police Officer Albert Morales said.

One of the men was transported to a hospital for major injuries that weren't considered life-threatening and the other was treated for less severe wounds, Morales said.

In response to numerous fireworks complaints in previous years, police formed a fireworks enforcement detail, which works with the Fire Department and other city organizations to make sure people are following the ban on all fireworks, according to Morales.

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On Monday evening, more officers stationed in an area of South San Jose, which has been known for several fireworks complaints, and responded to fewer incidents than in the past, he said.

In the three weeks leading up to July Fourth, police have responded to 80 calls about fireworks and issued 16 citations, according to Morales.

Earlier this year, the City Council increased fees for anyone found with fireworks to $500 for the first violation, $700 for the second and $1,000 for the third violation.

While police feel this year's efforts were a "success," there were still many complaints that they hope to improve on in future years, Morales said.

Police are still finalizing their data with other city departments on fireworks-related calls, the spokesman said.
Firefighters responding to two separate one-alarm fires between Monday night and early this morning, but are still investigating what caused the blazes, fire Capt. Brad Cloutier said.

Crews responded to a report of possible roof fire that may have been started by fireworks in the area of Aptos Avenue and River View Drive around 10:15 p.m., Cloutier said.

When the first crew reached the scene, they saw a tree and surrounding vegetation in flames outside a home and were quickly able to extinguish the fire, Cloutier said.

The second incident was reported as a fence fire in the 1900 block of Alum Rock Avenue at about 4:50 a.m. today, according to Cloutier.

Responding crews found the fire spread to a strip mall and were able to put it under control at 5:35 a.m., Cloutier said.

Cloutier didn't have information on damage at the strip mall.

No injuries were reported in either fire, according to the captain.

Fire officials are still gathering their numbers on calls concerning fireworks from over the weekend, Cloutier said.

• Also see: Fireworks Suspected In 3 Separate Weekend Blazes In Solano, Contra Costa Counties

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