Full Notification

Suspicious Firework Explosion at Casa Grande High School

On June 20th at approximately 10:00 A.M., Petaluma Police Department Dispatch received a report of a suspicious firework that exploded on the grounds of Casa Grande High School. According to the report, a groundskeeper accidentally ran over a large illegal firework with a lawnmower, triggering a powerful explosion.

Officers responded promptly to the scene to investigate the incident. Fortunately, the groundskeeper was not seriously injured—an outcome that could have been much worse especially given that he was on a gas-powered lawnmower.

The origin and circumstances surrounding how the illegal firework ended up on school grounds remain under investigation.
 
We would like to thank the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad who responded to assist with the investigation.
 
If you have any information regarding the above incident, please contact Officer Nelson at [email protected] or call the non-emergency contact number at 707-778-4372.
 
With 4^th of July around the corner, we would like to remind you that ALL fireworks are banned in Petaluma. This ban, which has been in place since June 2020, aims to protect the community from the heightened risks of wildfires, injuries, and property damage due to increasingly dry conditions and high winds—all things Sonoma County has experienced in the recent weeks.

The zero-tolerance policy means:

• It is illegal to sell, possess, or use any fireworks.
• Fines start at $1,000 and may include citations or criminal charges.
• Property owners are liable for fireworks used on their property.
• You can surrender fireworks safely by calling Petaluma Fire at (707) 778-4390—no questions asked.

We know that fireworks are a tradition lots of people enjoy and that the ordinance can feel like a letdown. But please remember the devastating wildfires our neighboring communities have already been through. Not to mention, this is the second firework-related incident causing injury and/or property damage in a week.

The good news is that just because you can’t light fireworks, doesn’t mean there won’t be a show. Fireworks will be launched form the Petaluma Fairgrounds (which will be closed for safety) and viewable from parks and neighborhoods all over town. Find out more and check out an interactive map on the Visit Petaluma website: visitpetaluma.com/event/independence-day-fireworks/