Since the enactment of the new ordinance, the Ripon Police Department was able to spring into action and issue several citations to those found to be using illegal fireworks.

At last week’s Ripon City Council meeting, police Chief Ed Ormonde reported that officers responded to 23 such incidents from July 3 through July 5.

“Six citations were given, in which one went through the court system and the remaining ones are pending,” he said.

Police along with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District have been allowed to enforce the law under the provisions.

They also have the authority “to enter, inspect and examine any property or premises to determine whether a violation exists or has occurred,” according to this specific chapter of the ordinance.

An inspection warrant may be issued to the owner or occupant of the place by police or fire officials but only in the event that they’re refused entrance, inspection or examination on to the grounds.

The illegal fireworks ordinance was influenced by state law and could be subject to amendment.

The ordinance said that “fireworks” are any device containing chemical elements or compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical, or thermal effects.

Included are firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman-candles, bombs, sparklers, chasers, and snakes, to name a few.

Last year, Councilman Jake Parks noticed non-stop use of illegal fireworks around town. He and his colleagues later looked into the matter while adopting the recent changes to the law.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.