A HOMEOWNER was stunned after being slapped with a whopping $25,000 fine over July 4 celebrations.
A lawsuit is underway to challenge the harsh penalty in California – as one landlord insisted he had done nothing wrong.
GettyA homeowner said he had no idea about the fireworks ban in the City of Citrus Heights[/caption]
GettyA nasty – and costly – surprise has been delivered by mail to unsuspecting residents[/caption]
Officials in the City of Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, have dished out $300,000 worth of fines for illegal fireworks since a tough ordinance began in April.
A new fireworks rule added stricter penalties and made property owners or tenants responsible for illegal use of them near their homes, reported Hoodline Sacramento.
Those residents found defying the law are being hit with administrative fines – starting at $1,000 per violation.
Notices have been sent by mail.
More than 300 separate violations of illegal fireworks activity were reported by police following Fourth of July holiday celebrations, said the Citrus Heights Sentinel in July.
However, one recipient was shocked at opening his notification which stated he had to pay $25,000, reported Fox News.
The annoyed landlord – who lives in the Bay Area, but has tenants living in a Sacramento County home – has asked the Ashley Law Group to challenge the hefty fine.
A lawyer told Fox last Friday, “California is very tenant-friendly which is great, but unfortunately a lot of the laws are to the detriment of landlords, and this is exactly one of those types of situations.
“The landlord is being held responsible and liable for potential actions of tenants that they have no control or say over.”
The lawyer said her client owns the home as a rental, but she is worried the city failed to adequately publish or notify landlords about the new law before fines began being dished out.
“Our client in the Bay area had no idea about the ordinance until he received a notice in the mail for a fine of $25,000 for fireworks that were put off around his property,” she explained.
“There is no way the landlord could have stopped this, so how can you hold them liable?
“Especially to the tune of $25,000 for something they had no involvement in.
“We’re dealing with a city with very good intentions, but poor execution when it comes to the ordinance.
“It’s overly broad and impacts out-of-area landlords who have no ability to stop this.”
Statement from Citrus Heights Police Department
CHPD did not confirm the specific $25,000 July 4th citation
A spokesperson said in a statement that its anti-fireworks team’s efforts have “included additional patrol units in the field.”
Officials also used drones, “and additional staff assisting with triaging illegal fireworks calls and verifying violator locations.
“The use of the drones allowed us to safely and efficiently pinpoint the source of illegal fireworks and gather real-time evidence from above.
“Drones provide overhead visuals to confirm the location of illegal activity, supporting enforcement efforts and helping ensure accurate citations.
“Although we’re still completing all the investigations, this year’s enforcement operation identified over 40 locations responsible for illegal fireworks in Citrus Heights.
“Of those 40 locations, they included over 300 separate violations totaling over $300k in total fines.”
The spokesperson added, “Illegal fireworks pose a real threat to public safety, property, and quality of life.
“Our goal is not only to respond but to prevent future incidents through education, enforcement, and community partnership.”
The law firm slammed it as an “unjust firework fine,” and vowed to fight it as, “not even the City of Citrus Heights can get away with injustice when we are involved.”
The tenants themselves have claimed they did not set off the illegal fireworks.
The city said that dozens of cases were moving forward and it was prepared to defend its ordinance against any legal challenges.
Citrus Heights Police Department were told at a recent city meeting that its anti-fireworks “team has done a phenomenal job” cracking down on the banned activity.
In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions
A CHPD spokesman told Fox that its illegal fireworks enforcement efforts have been accurate, while declining to comment specifically on the $25,000 fine.
In a statement, it confirmed that fines totaling more than $300,000 have been sent to those flouting the ban.
The police have been contacted for further comment on the fine.
Last year’s Fourth of July celebrations saw firefighters around the Sacramento area extinguishing multiple fires, reported CBS News.
At least one house fire was likely started by fireworks, officials said.
DEATHS
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14,700 Americans were treated for fireworks-related injuries last year.
And there were 11 fatalities as a result of fireworks.
Its report added, “Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy.
“In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions.
“An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year – a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023.
“There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.”
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