BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In the weeks leading up to July 4, illegal firework activity has increased.

The Kern County Fire Department has been fully staffed during this time.

To prepare for the greater call volume, an online form was created for reporting illegal fireworks.

The online submission system got 5,165 reports starting June 15.

Listed below is the statistical overview from the weekend:

In 2018, there were 316 illegal firework reports and 4,369 calls.

In 2020, there were 703 illegal firework reports and 6,925 total calls.

Online illegal firework reports totaled 2,410 for the weekend.

There were 35 citations and 2,000 pounds o fireworks seized.