The Fourth of July may be over, but the damage from illegal fireworks is still being counted.
In Oakland, firefighters responded to multiple fireworks-related incidents, including five structure fires. One home was left with significant damage.
Video also shows cars doing donuts while passengers fired roman candles into the street. At 96th Avenue and Plymouth Street, witnesses said illegal fireworks sparked a tree fire that spread to two vehicles and damaged power lines.
Authorities said firefighters spent more than an hour putting out the flames.
Despite seeing a lot of activity, the Oakland Fire Department said this year the celebrations caused less damage than previous Fourth of July celebrations.
Police said enforcement actions took place in areas known for illegal firework activity. Over the weekend, Oakland police made 20 arrests, recovered eight firearms and issued 184 citations unrelated to fireworks. However, police said many of the enforcement actions took place in areas where illegal fireworks were being used and said additional fireworks-related citations could still be issued.
“Ongoing investigations will continue to ramp up and look at those individuals that partook in dangerous behavior, Oakland Police Department Capt. Dave Burke said. “We will continue those investigations and try to bring those individuals to justice as we move forward.”
The Alameda County Fire Department responded to about 33 fireworks-related incidents on the Fourth of July, including four fires caused by improperly disposed fireworks — one of which damaged a home.
Meanwhile, Oakland officials are reminding residents all fireworks are illegal and urging people to report dangerous activity before it leads to another fire.
“They can have a profound affect on the elderly, youth and also animals,” Burke said. “Community members continue to call and give us those locations where they are being inflicted by that dangerous behavior. We will respond accordingly.”