Stockton, Calif. — The Fourth of July celebrations in Stockton took a perilous turn as illegal fireworks led to multiple fires across the city, prompting an unprecedented response from local fire services.
Stockton firefighters were overwhelmed with calls, receiving more than three times the normal amount on a typical day. The city, usually quiet on summer nights, resembled a "war zone," according to local resident Fernando Juarez, who described the night as brightly lit by fires rather than fireworks.
One of the more severe incidents occurred when a fire, ignited by illegal fireworks, nearly destroyed Rose Guzman’s home. "Everything went up in smoke, everything," Guzman recounted, expressing gratitude towards neighbors who helped contain the fire just inches from her house.
The situation escalated in another neighborhood where a couple and their pets barely escaped a house fire caused by a burning tree. Neighbor Lyle Summerfield reported seeing firefighters cutting into the roof to combat the flames. He expressed frustration with the reckless use of fireworks, noting, "After they're gone, they still shoot up fireworks like they don't even care."
According to the Stockton Fire Department, nearly all vegetation fires on Thursday night, including a significant one in the Country Club area, were directly linked to illegal fireworks. The continuous emergency responses stretched the city's firefighting resources thin.
In the days leading up to the holiday, fire officials conducted several public safety demonstrations to warn against the dangers of illegal fireworks. Despite these efforts, the message was either unheard or ignored by many, as evidenced by the chaos on Independence Day.
As the city recovers from a tumultuous Fourth of July, fire crews are taking a much-needed rest, preparing for any further incidents that might arise in the aftermath of the celebrations. The events of the night serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and the potential for severe consequences.
