A routine police traffic stop resulted in a huge haul of illegal fireworks in Lathrop.
A pair of officers seized more than 1,800 pounds of illegal fireworks and 72 homemade explosives after pulling over a box truck, police said Monday. One person was taken into custody.
The haul was so extensive that the Lathrop-Manteca Fire District and explosive experts from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office were called to stand by as a precaution as the fireworks were unloaded.
Authorities say they are being extra vigilant as the Fourth of July approaches.
The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has tightened fireworks laws, adopting a new ordinance with stricter regulations on the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county. The rules ban all fireworks — even the “safe and sane” ones still legal in some cities.
The updated law includes tougher penalties not only on those who shoot off fireworks, but so-called “social hosts,” like parents or party hosts. They can now be held liable for fireworks being launched by others on their property. Penalties range from $100 to $500.
Public fireworks shows — those sanctioned by the county fire warden — are still allowed.
“We want people to enjoy the holiday safely with family and friends,” Board of Supervisors Chair Paul Canepa said in a statement. “Illegal fireworks have caused fires, injuries, and serious damage.”
The city of Stockton is holding free fireworks safety demonstrations this week.
Officer David Scott, a public information officer with the Stockton Police Department, said the sessions will “provide the community the educational aspect of being safe while enjoying fireworks with friends and family.”
The 30-minute demonstrations, all of which run 6:30-7 p.m., are scheduled at the following locations:
- Tuesday: Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Ave.
- Wednesday: Seifert Community Center, 128 W. Benjamin Holt Drive
- Thursday: Van Buskirk Community Center, 734 Houston Ave.
The sessions will cover the proper handling and disposal of “safe and sane” fireworks, reporting illegal fireworks and firework danger. Demonstrators include the Stockton Fire Department, Stockton police and the San Joaquin County Fireworks Taskforce.
“Safe and Sane fireworks allow you to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks, but remain safe and responsible,” Scott said.
Stocktonia staff writer Hope Muñoz contributed to this report.