Seven people were arrested as authorities seized over 49,000 pounds of illegal fireworks stored in various Bay Area locations Thursday.

The explosives were found in Copperopolis, Modesto, Salida, Hayward, Walnut Creek and Oakland.

Authorities say this is one of the biggest illegal firework ring busts in California State history.

Seven people were arrested for allegedly “illegally importing, transporting, storing, distributing and selling illegal and dangerous fireworks throughout California for more than 30 years,” Cal Fire said.

“Officers also seized over $115,000 as well as a variety of computers, cell phones, firearms and personal items,” officials said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office (DA) all assisted Cal Fire as they served ten search warrants in Calaveras, Stanislaus, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties. 

“In California, we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “With the increase in large, devastating fires across the state, we cannot stand by and allow this type of activity to occur, threatening not only property and natural resources, but the lives of the citizens we protect.”

Cal Fire says today’s bust is a big step in safeguarding against fires this summer, as illegal fireworks are largely responsible for starting them:

On Independence Day, in a typical year, fireworks account for two out of every five reported fires in the U.S., more than any other cause. On average each year, fireworks in California start 18,500 fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires. These fires, on average, cause three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage.

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