Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2022
Rachelle Bedell, Communication and Engagement Manager
City of Gilroy
408-846-0443
City Responds to Illegal 4th of July Activities
Friday, July 8, 2022 (Gilroy, CA): July 4, 2022, was another busy night for the Gilroy Police and Fire Departments. In addition to regular staffing, Gilroy deployed additional police and fire personnel on the 4th of July to help protect the health and safety of the community.
The Gilroy Police Department deployed 12 additional officers dedicated to enforcing fireworks violations, and the Gilroy Fire Department upstaffed nine additional firefighters for emergency response. The additional officers and firefighters were funded by mitigation fees added to Gilroy's Safe and Sane fireworks sales. Most of the additional officers patrolled in patrol cars, bicycles, and with the use of drones. Two of the nine firefighters supported GPD during drone enforcement of fireworks violations. As a result, officers issued numerous citations and confiscated several illegal fireworks.
The fireworks@cityofgilroy.org email reporting option assisted officers in locating violators by identifying problem areas. This option also alleviated some calls that our dispatchers would have typically handled.
July 4th Calls for Service
- GPD responded to 306 calls for service. 170 of those calls were fireworks-related.
- GFD responded to 38 calls for service. Eight of those calls were fires (two wildfires and six non-structure fires).
- 48 reports of illegal fireworks were reported via email.
July 4th Enforcement
- A male adult was arrested for possession of fireworks, public intoxication, and resisting arrest after officers witnessed him ignite aerial fireworks in a residential neighborhood. Another case was referred to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office for prosecution of an adult in possession of dangerous fireworks.
- 56 administrative citations were issued for fireworks violations.
- An additional seven administrative citations were issued in the five days prior to July 4.
We are grateful that we can report no severe fires or injuries in relation to the 4th of July calls for service involving fires or smoke investigations.
As a reminder, this fire season is only beginning, and we urge all residents to avoid any possible activities that might cause a spark or start a fire. Additionally, please sign up for and watch for notices regarding "Local High Fire Risk" days by texting 95020 to the Nixle alert system at 888777.
Lastly, the Gilroy Police Department asks the public to call the non-emergency line at (408) 846-0350 or email fireworks@cityofgilroy to report ongoing fireworks violations through July 15. In emergencies, please use 9-1-1.
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