The whistling fireworks, popular in part because of their explosive capabilities, will likely be banned from the city.
By SERENA MARIA DANIELS
The Orange County Register
BUENA PARK – Residents eager to light up Independence Day will likely have one less choice as the City Council moves toward banning a particular type of fireworks.
The "Piccolo Pete" style of fireworks has been the cause of increased complaints around the Fourth of July, mostly for the high-pitched whistle it emits and for its reputation of being modified to blow up or shoot into the sky, said Police Chief Tom Monson.
"It's very taxing on our resources," the chief said.
Offenders would receive $100 to $500 fines, depending on how many times they violated the law.
Like Buena Park, Stanton, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Garden Grove allow state-approved fireworks, said Capt. Stephen Miller of the Orange County Fire Authority.
Last year, Garden Grove council members passed a law to increase the firework-vendor fee and to raise fines for illegal fireworks.
Such restrictions are aimed at reducing the number of fireworks-related complaints in the cities.
Miller questioned the effectiveness of partial bans.
"It's easier to blend in the illegal fireworks in a city that allows fireworks," Miller said.
The council is expected to take a final vote on the whistling fireworks at its next meeting, 5 p.m. April 10 inside the council chambers, 6650 Beach Boulevard.
By SERENA MARIA DANIELS
The Orange County Register
BUENA PARK – Residents eager to light up Independence Day will likely have one less choice as the City Council moves toward banning a particular type of fireworks.
The "Piccolo Pete" style of fireworks has been the cause of increased complaints around the Fourth of July, mostly for the high-pitched whistle it emits and for its reputation of being modified to blow up or shoot into the sky, said Police Chief Tom Monson.
"It's very taxing on our resources," the chief said.
Offenders would receive $100 to $500 fines, depending on how many times they violated the law.
Like Buena Park, Stanton, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Garden Grove allow state-approved fireworks, said Capt. Stephen Miller of the Orange County Fire Authority.
Last year, Garden Grove council members passed a law to increase the firework-vendor fee and to raise fines for illegal fireworks.
Such restrictions are aimed at reducing the number of fireworks-related complaints in the cities.
Miller questioned the effectiveness of partial bans.
"It's easier to blend in the illegal fireworks in a city that allows fireworks," Miller said.
The council is expected to take a final vote on the whistling fireworks at its next meeting, 5 p.m. April 10 inside the council chambers, 6650 Beach Boulevard.