Richmond’s stepped-up efforts to curb illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday yielded multiple arrests, but it is unclear whether it was effective at reducing their rampant use across the city.
The Richmond Police Department received 214 fireworks-related calls (including one from neighboring El Cerrito) from July 4 to July 7, along with 17 shot-spotter alerts leading to targeted police responses, according to Richmond police Lt. Donald Patchin. By comparison, last year from July 1 through July 7, there were 213 fireworks-related calls, the majority on July 4, police said.
The sizable call volume during the latest holiday period coincided with a spike in unhealthy air quality. Air monitoring systems, including an independent one funded by Chevron Richmond, revealed a dramatic spike in particulate matter while illegal fireworks were popping off across the city.
The illegal fireworks activity occurred in the wake of a long-running campaign to reduce it this year, led by the Richmond City Council, multiple city agencies and community groups. Efforts included erecting signs around the city warning about fines, and paying overtime to have more police officers on the streets. Bolstered by drones and coordinated patrols, police arrested 19 people and seized three firearms during the enforcement period.
While fireworks are considered an American pastime and a mere nuisance, community members and experts alike attest that their rampant use can pose serious risks to pets, veterans with PTSD, public safety and public health.