politics
California Police Use Drones to Cite Illegal Fireworks Over July 4 Weekend
Police departments in multiple California cities are deploying drones to detect and cite illegal fireworks use during the Independence Day period. The effort follows a rise in complaints and aims to improve enforcement where traditional patrols have been less effective.
Los Angeles TimesAudio version
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Police departments across California are using drones to identify and cite residents who set off illegal fireworks during the July 4 weekend. The state prohibits fireworks that lack the "safe and sane" approval from the state fire marshal. Many cities ban all fireworks regardless of type. Despite the restrictions, illegal use remains common.
Riverside police began using drones for this purpose last year. A team that includes a drone pilot, a code enforcement officer, a firefighter, and a police officer responds to activity spotted by the drone or reported by residents. In 2025 the department recorded 547 calls for service about illegal fireworks between June 27 and July 4, up from 477 the previous year.
Complaints submitted through the city's 311 app rose to 431 from 307. Officers issued 65 citations, compared with 24 in 2024. A police detective said the drone allows officers to document violations before people can hide evidence. Recordings can be used for citations and prosecution.
Property owners can be cited under the city's Social Host Ordinance even if they did not light the fireworks. The fine is $1,500.
Other cities deploying drones over the weekend include Downey, Artesia, Brea, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Stanton, Santa Ana, Chino, Hemet, and San Jose. Nationwide, fireworks caused 15 deaths and about 13,000 injuries in 2025, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Children and young adults aged 15 to 24 accounted for the largest share of injuries. Burns were the most common type of injury. In 2024 fireworks started more than 34,000 fires, including over 3,200 structure fires, the National Fire Protection Association reported.
