. >> reporter: but not many witnessed the effects, like rita martinez in south san jose. >> 51 years living here and i've never seen it this bad. he was wetting down, hosing down his fence. >> reporter: she lives across from a home gutted by fire last july 4th. investigators say a neighbor's illegal fireworks landed on the house sparking the fire. >> that house was just engulfed. at that point there was still fireworks shooting off. >> reporter: after promising to crack down on fireworks last year, city leaders took it a step further passing a pilot program. starting july 1st people will be able to post pictures and video of illegal firework activity to a city website, meaning you can turn in your neighbors. >> we're seeing more and more of it more widespread across the city. >> reporter: it also allows code enforcement officers to write tickets from witness accounts helping the already stretched fire and police departments. >> we're dealing with calls on a priority basis. it's hard to make it out to some of these calls. >> reporter: the first offense will cost you $500, ranging up t

rita martinez just hopes city leader promises will be enough this time. >> and if this pilot line doesork, then great. then they did their job and i'm happy. it's just it's sad that house is still not fixed and you can just see it. >> the fines are active year round. the website will only be up from july 1st through the 5th. this program could be extended if it is successful. >>> well, it has been a year and a half in the making. this weekend people in the south bay gathered for the owe opening of san jose's newest library. the ribbon cutting ceremony was he would in evergreen village square but the library opening was not the only attraction. people came together in an attempt to set the guinness world record for the most languages read aloud from a children's book. >> we have a diverse city and we thought a lot of our community would appreciate and love to participate. we have some very unique languages that are going to be read. >> no word yet though on if they broke that record. hope they did. what a cool record to hold. >>> still to come on "today in the bay," a scary moment durin