Anyone caught using illegal fireworks – anything that launches into the sky or explodes – will be charged with a $2,500 fine, Ceres Police are warning residents.

With the Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, the city of Ceres is urging residents to report those who are setting off illegal fireworks.

In 2017, the Ceres City Council adopted an ordinance in an attempt to curb the proliferation of illegal fireworks in Ceres. It provides for an administrative penalty of $1,000 per violation which was later increased to $2,500.

Safe and sane fireworks remain legal in Ceres and Stanislaus County.

In 2021 Ceres Police issued 34 fines for illegal fireworks use.

Extra patrol officers will be out specifically looking for people using illegal fireworks, which are inherently dangerous and credited with injuries and starting a high number of home and grass fires. Any firework that does not display the California “safe and sane” identification or anything that launches into the sky or explodes is an illegal firework.

A special hotline (209) 538-LOUD or 538-5683) is designed to redirect calls reporting illegal fireworks away from the main 911 emergency line. The special line will be staffed by police Records Division personnel beginning this weekend. Reports of illegal fireworks may also be emailed to fireworkshotline@cerespolice.com from July 1 through Tuesday, July 4.

Reports of illegal fireworks may also be reported on the Nail ‘em smart phone app. Nail’em is a free app available through the App Store or Google Play.

Captain Chris Perry said extra police personnel will be staffed over the weekend and Monday and Tuesday seeking zero tolerance enforcement of illegal fireworks.