A number of calls reporting the use of fireworks – several of them of the illegal variety – were handled by Escalon Police during the Fourth of July holiday.

Police Chief Robert Anthony Hardgraves said there was also one person cited for possession of illegal fireworks by officers handling the calls.

Within a couple of hours on Saturday night, officers responded to multiple locations around the community to investigate the fireworks complaints.

At 9:12 p.m., there was a complaint of subjects lighting fireworks in the intersection of Valdapena and Riesling Way. Officers made a log note only.

At 9:56 p.m., officers responded to a report of illegal fireworks going off in the area of Spring Drive and Jill Avenue. It was determined to be unfounded.

Fireworks were reported to be going off in the area of Judith Way and Sophie Lane at 10:05 p.m.; officers were unable to locate anything at the location.

Illegal fireworks were reported as being set off in the area of Jordanolo and Mission streets, as well as on Bonds Court at 10:06 p.m. A check of the area by officers found no violations.

At 10:14 p.m. on July 4, officers received a report of illegal fireworks being shot off in the area of Main Street and Reile Avenue but were unable to locate anything in the area.

Just before 10:30 p.m., loud noises believed to be coming from illegal fireworks were reported in the area of Mission Street and Justin Drive, possibly being used in the orchard behind the homes on Mission. Officers took a report and one subject was released from the scene on a promise to appear.

A second call from the area of Spring and Jill was received, with the caller reporting that fireworks were still being set off in the area. Determined to be unfounded.

Finally, at 10:57 p.m., a caller reported hearing people shooting off fireworks in the area of Judith Way and Countrywood Lane, possibly occurring on Judith Court. Responding officers were unable to locate anything.

Along with the fireworks calls for the police department, Escalon Fire Department personnel did respond to one small roadside grass fire attributed to the use of fireworks, extinguishing that fire on Saturday, July 4 at River and Santa Fe roads about 5:20 p.m.