Since Manteca started going after host properties using administrative law procedures in a bid to punish those launching illegal fireworks, 10 to 24 people a year have been slapped with $1,000 fines.

Once administrative charges are added, the cost to those caught launching illegal fireworks is $1,500.

City officials expect those paying for the consequence of engaging in illegal and potentially deadly actions that can start fires and injury others could double this year. That’s because Manteca is essentially doubling its manpower and the days they are roaming the streets in search of illegal fireworks.
City leaders clearly don’t expect to stop illegal fireworks. But the goal is if more people get fined and word gets around it give people second thoughts. And if it doesn’t, they are punishing those that are caught for engaging in illegal activities that imperils others.

Legal safe and sane fireworks sales start Wednesday at 10 a.m. They legally can cotinine through highlight on the Fourth love July.

Under state law, cities that allow safe and sane fireworks sales have to allow them to be used throughout the seven-day period.

That means it is legal to shoot off legal fireworks starting Wednesday.

It isn’t legal ever. however. to use illegal fireworks.

Fireworks that are illegal are those that either move along the ground or can become airborne.

Legal fireworks modified to do go aerial or move on the ground are also illegal.

Officials are asking people not to report the use of legal fireworks so efforts can be concentrated on going after illegal fireworks.

As many as 12 extra police officers will be on the streets nightly between Friday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 4.

The city will have eight additional  public safety personnel on the streets nightly from June 30 through July 2 and 10 each on July 3 and July 4 to target those using illegal fireworks.

Each night there will be five Manteca police officers.

Two fire inspectors and a fire marshal will join them June 30-July 3. The fire department will add two more fire personnel to the team on July 3 and July 4.

That illegal fireworks manpower deployment is in addition to seven police officers that will be part of DUI salutation patrols funded by grants on June 30, July 1, and July 4.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com