California officials busted one of the largest illegal fireworks operations in California history.
Nearly 50,000 pounds of banned explosive devices, enough to fill several truckloads, were collected over the past few weeks by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection employees, with many of the items brought in from Nevada and Montana.
State Fire Marshal Dennis Mathisen says that, while the sting was primarily conducted in Northern California, the ramifications affect the entire state.
“That's a pretty amazing number when you think about it,” Mathisen said of the bust.
The marshal said the seizure will mean fewer fires, injuries and deaths due to illegal fireworks, in addition to less property and environmental damage.
Cal Fire says the seven people arrested have been running the illegal firework operation for more than 30 years.
The seizures happened in Modesto, Copperopolis, Salida, Hayward, Walnut Creek, and Oakland.
The fireworks were similar to the types of you would see at a public firework show.
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