Craigslist ad for illegal fireworks leads to Rohnert Park arrest

A 16-year-old was arrested Wednesday in Rohnert Park on suspicion of selling illegal fireworks after fire officials spotted an ad for the fireworks on Craigslist.

The Craigslist post advertised firecrackers and aerial fireworks, which are illegal throughout the county, for sale in Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Assistant Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal said in a statement.

The teen was arrested as the result of a collaboration between the Santa Rosa and Petaluma fire departments as well as Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park police departments, he said. The teen, whose name was not disclosed, was later released with a citation and a $1,000 penalty.

Most cities ban personal fireworks, while Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Cloverdale allow “safe and sane” ones within city limits. Those are fireworks that don’t explode, launch in the air or move over the ground.

Fire departments throughout Sonoma County are now scanning Craigslist for illegal fireworks sales after the idea was recently discussed at a fire investigators’ task force meeting, Lowenthal said.

The drought, along with high temperatures, have combined to make the area particularly prone to fires started from fireworks this July 4, he said.