POLICE displaying 2019 seizure of illegal fireworks in Garden Grove (GGPD photo).

The City of Garden Grove, in collaboration with the Garden Grove Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority, is seeking to raise public’s awareness to safety and increased police presence during the upcoming July 4 holiday.

Police patrols will be identifying violators of the city’s municipal code on fireworks. Using or possessing illegal fireworks, including misusing or tampering with legal ones, carries a $1,000 fine.

Only safe and sane fireworks bearing the California State Fire Marshal seal may be discharged in Garden Grove on July 4, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., on private property only.

As in previous years, on July 4, the Garden Grove Police Department will deploy additional officers to identify violators of the city’s code on fireworks. Patrols will focus on areas of high-activity illegal fireworks use.

In addition, Garden Grove Animal Care Services will have an animal control officer on-duty on July 4. If a pet goes missing, call (714) 741-5565; press 1 for Field Services; and leave a detailed voice message. The on-duty officer will automatically be notified of call/voice messages.

All city parks will close by 5 p.m. on July 4, including tennis and handball courts, with park sprinklers activated.

Garden Grove firework sales take place from July 1 through July 4. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., July 1 through July 3; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4.

Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, Fourth of July block parties will not take place in the city of Garden Grove.

To report illegal fireworks, call the Garden Grove Police Department’s  non-emergency number at (714) 741-5704. Be prepared to provide the address where the illegal firework(s) were lit and a description of the individual(s) involved. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies only.

In 2019, the Garden Grove Police Department issued 75, $1,000 citations, a 5.6 percent increase from 2018. The Garden Grove Police Department received 218 firework-related service calls on July 4; and 284 firework-related calls from July 1 through July 5, 2019.

For more information, call the Garden Grove Fireworks Hotline at (714) 741-5270 or visit the July 4 Safety Tips and Regulations webpage at  www.ggcity.org/july-4-safety-tips-regulations.

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