As fireworks complaints increase during the summer months, the Aurora Police Department is continuing enforcement efforts and asking residents to report illegal fireworks activity they see.
Between June 1 and July 6, Aurora patrol officers responded to 384 fireworks-related calls for service, the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Department said in an update on Facebook. In about 70% of those incidents, officers were not able to locate the reported activity or found that it had ended before they arrived.
Officers were able to make contact with individuals in 65 incidents over that time period, the update from the departments said, resulting in 32 fireworks citations and the seizure of fireworks during four incidents.
The department’s Community Oriented Policing unit has also conducted proactive enforcement efforts focused on illegal fireworks activity, the update on Facebook said. Officers have patrolled areas where fireworks complaints have been reported, responded to complaints and worked to identify violations through their observations.
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“These efforts will continue throughout the summer,” Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas said in the update on Facebook, “and residents can help by reporting fireworks activity while it is occurring and providing the most specific location and information possible.”
When a fireworks-related complaint comes in, taking enforcement action requires officers to locate where fireworks are being discharged, identify who’s responsible and establish sufficient evidence that a violation occurred, the departments’ update said, meaning timely reports can help officers locate the activity and identify those involved.
The departments also pointed to the dangers illegal fireworks pose. According to the Aurora Fire Department’s Interim Chief Kevin Nickel, firefighters responded to more than 100 fire-related calls and 170 medical emergencies during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including three homes damaged by fireworks.
Additionally, in an incident on July 12, Aurora officers responded to a local business after a firework exploded inside the building, injuring a 17-year-old employee, the departments’ update said. The juvenile who ignited the firework was arrested and charged.
“Injuries are always one of our biggest concerns when it comes to fireworks, and this incident is an important reminder of how quickly something can go wrong,” Nickel said. “Fireworks can cause serious injuries and significant property damage, and the safest way to enjoy them is to leave them to the professionals.”
Residents can report fireworks activity that is currently occurring by calling the police department’s non-emergency number at 630-256-5000, the update on Facebook said. For activity that has already stopped or for ongoing concerns or to provide photos or video, residents can submit a request through the MyAurora311 app.