Crime & Safety
Illegal Firework Explodes At Petaluma High School
The incident happened when a maintenance worker triggered the device while mowing the lawn, police noted.
PETALUMA, CA — A powerful explosion occurred on June 20 at Casa Grande High School after a groundskeeper accidentally ran over an illegal firework with a lawnmower, Petaluma police said.
The incident happened around 10 a.m. when a maintenance worker triggered the device while mowing the lawn, police noted.
The groundskeeper was not seriously injured, but police said the situation could have been far worse due to the proximity of the gas-powered equipment.
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The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad responded to assist with the investigation.
Authorities are still determining how the firework ended up on school grounds.
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With Independence Day approaching, officials are reminding the public that all fireworks have been banned in the city since June 2020. The ban, meant to reduce the risk of wildfires and injury, carries fines starting at $1,000.
Residents can surrender fireworks anonymously by contacting Petaluma Fire at (707) 778-4390.
Legal fireworks will be launched from the Petaluma Fairgrounds and viewable from neighborhoods citywide. More details are available at visitpetaluma.com/event/independence-day-fireworks/.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Officer Nelson at cnelson@cityofpetaluma.org or call 707-778-4372.
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