Full Notification

The Los Banos Police Department reminds residents to have a safe 4th of July holiday weekend. The Department will be out targeting illegal fireworks violations.

The Department’s Code Enforcement division and a team of Police Officers will be strictly enforcing fireworks laws this 4th of July, with the idea in mind of educating the public and preventing injuries caused by reckless use of both legal “Safe and Sane” and illegal fireworks.

“Fireworks can be very dangerous when not handled properly and illegal fireworks pose an even greater risk. The use of illegal fireworks will not be tolerated and our officers will be conducting strict enforcement of these violations. We want people to have a good time, but not at the risk of getting hurt.
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

The Police Department would like to remind everyone that it is unlawful for any person to possess, store, sale, and use or explode any dangerous firework. All fireworks must display a ‘Safe and Sane” fireworks logo. The penalty for dangerous fireworks violations holds a stiff fine $1,250.00.

Look for the Safe and Sane Logo

“Safe and Sane” fireworks may be discharged from July 1st through July 4th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Illegal fireworks may not be discharged at anytime, ever!

Tips for the responsible use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks:

-Always follow directions and use common sense

-Never use fireworks indoors, near dry grass or other flammable material

-Only ignite one firework at a time and back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting

-Never attempt to re-ignite a defective firework

-Keep a bucket of water available for emergencies and to douse used fireworks

-Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire

-Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks

-Always have an adult supervise firework activities. Young children can suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparkers burn at temperatures above 1,200 degrees

-Never alter any firework

-Never point or throw fireworks

-Keep others at a safe distance

We encourage parents to monitor children closely around fireworks and never allow anyone under the age of 18 to discharge fireworks. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Police

Department Code Enforcement division:
Dana Rawls, Code Enforcement Clerk (209) 827-7070, ext. 141
Tammy Allard, Code Enforcement Officer (209) 827-7070, ext. 138
Jesse Ceja, Police Sergeant (209) 827-7070, ext. 147

As always in an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org