Nearly 130 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized Thursday afternoon.

According to El Centro Interim Fire Chief Cedric Cesena, the fireworks were seized at a business in the 400 block of Broadway in El Centro. Cesena said that one individual was arrested and released for possession of dangerous fireworks, advertising the sales of fireworks or pyrotechnic devises, offering for sale dangerous fireworks, and possession of fireworks without holding a proper permit. The arrest and seizure came following an investigation by El Centro Fire Department with support from El Centro Police and the City of El Centro Code Enforcement Division. 

El Centro Fire Department reminded citizens that it is dangerous and illegal to purchase, possess, and discharge fireworks commonly known as skyrockets, bottle rockets, roam candles, aerial shells, firecrackers, and other fireworks that explode or go into the air. Between June 28 and July 6 at midnight it is lawful to sell and possess "Safe and Sane" fireworks within the city limits of El Centro. ECFD Battalion Chief Brad Chapin said, " The reality is that the use of illegal bottle rockets and firecrackers are dwarfed by the heavy importation and use of aerial shells rivalling or surpassing those used at most public displays". Chapin added that anyone caught with illegal fireworks could face severe fines and even arrest.