Man arrested for illegal fireworks in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A Porterville man was arrested for allegedly possessing more than $20,000 worth of “safe and reasonable” fireworks, Porterville police said.

Officers said they were called to a residence in the 1300 block of River Springs Drive around 1:30 p.m. Thursday to execute a search warrant related to the possession and sale of illegal fireworks.

During the search of the home, investigators say they found a large box of illegal industrial-grade fireworks. The man responsible for the fireworks was identified as 20-year-old Caleb Magallanes. He also stored additional illegal fireworks at a home in the 300 block of North Walch Street.

As a result of the investigation, investigators say they seized a total of 1,254 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks valued at around $23,000. The seized fireworks are considered dangerous and have not been classified as “safe and reasonable” by California State Fire Marshals and do not carry the “Safe and Sane” seal.

Officials say that anyone involved in the sale, possession or discharging of illegal fireworks faces an administrative fine of between $1,000 and $10,000 in addition to possible criminal charges. The homeowner may also be charged with discharging illegal fireworks.

Anyone with information regarding the sale, possession or discharge of illegal fireworks is asked to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.