Riverbank Police Services Chief Ed Ridenour met with members of the City Council at their late June session, Tuesday, June 25, to let members know what’s going to be happening with illegal fireworks in the area this week.

He let council members know that the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit has acquired some new equipment that will allow them to pinpoint addresses of homes where illegal fireworks are being set off.

The point is to cite the homeowner, he added, not necessarily the person lighting them.

Ridenour said that the citations carry a stiff fine with them, aimed at curtailing the dangerous activity. With the 100-plus degree heat wave impacting the region throughout this week, dead leaves, limbs, grass and weeds can easily lead to wildfires when the hot fireworks fall from the sky.

The chief said the first citation will cost $1,000. The second comes in at $2,000, and the third at $3,000.

He noted that the unit had already pinpointed one location three times in just 45 minutes.

Safe and Sane fireworks have been for sale from booths around town operated by local community organizations, selling either Phantom, TNT or Freedom brand safe fireworks.

Sales were able to begin last Friday, June 28 and can continue until 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, for those booths that still have them in stock.