Ahead of Independence Day weekend, sheriff’s Sgt. Roy Morales said Wednesday that the app is a way for residents to report fireworks in addition to calling 911 or the nonemergency line at 831-471-1121. The app is meant for residents of Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, Rio del Mar, Corralitos, La Selva Beach, the San Lorenzo Valley and other unincorporated areas.
“This additional reporting method will allow residents to report fireworks activity that may not warrant a call to 911 or otherwise may not be relayed to field units during peak overloads of the 911 system,” Morales said. “Reporting of fireworks through the Citizen Connect app will allow the location of the fireworks activity to be posted on an interactive map that is viewable by other citizens and Sheriff’s Office personnel.”
Deputies will monitor fireworks activity through the app and “respond appropriately,” Morales said.
Deputies also said they will accept tips before the Fourth of July about properties where fireworks have been lit in the past.
The app can be downloaded free on Apple and Android devices at Sccappstore.co.santa-cruz.ca.us. The app also contains information about the county and ways to report potholes and other problems.
Fireworks are illegal in the county excluding private property in Capitola and safe-and-sane fireworks in the city of Watsonville.
Fireworks have come under scrutiny in the past year by residents fed up with the noise, pet problems and fire danger.
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