FRESNO (KMJ) — The battle against illegal fireworks in the City of Fresno will now look at targeting those selling them.
“The trend we are beginning to see…is more aggressive, blatant, sales,” reveals Fresno Fire’s Deputy Fire Marshall and Chief of Investigations Don MacAlpine.
“What I intend to do with our unit is become much more pro-active and aggressive in going after the dealers, much like illegal drugs or any other type of illegal activity.”
He says going to the source, and increasing fines, could create the desired result.
The number of grass fires on July 4th 2017 prompted Fresno Fire to suspend medical calls, a move which has already prompted Fresno City Councilmember Garry Bredefeld to “seek solutions.”
Unacceptable! Will seek solutions at 7/20 council mtg. Address resources/fines. Must prevent future injuries/prop damage. Can’t happen again https://t.co/iyTjvb1TYc
— Garry Bredefeld (@GarryBredefeld) July 6, 2017
Crews responding to calls also told of items being thrown at them.
“What’s sickening is they’re taking assault on the very people that risk their lives, hinder their family life to go in at all risks, to help better someone’s life,” continues MacAlpine.
He reveals that it’s hard for him to comprehend the reason for their actions.
“I’d take them to some of these scenes and I’d take them in my office and show them some of my file photos of what illegal firework activity has done.
“The lives its cost, the health its cost, the property damage, the livelihood, the lifetime memories lost, because of what otherwise was an innocent activity but illegally done.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
Garry Bredefeld joined Ray Appleton on KMJ to talk more about the issue of illegal fireworks in the City of Fresno. You can hear their conversation clicking below:
