California police issue $100k in fines after using drones to catch illegal firework displays
Riverside, California, is stepping up its fight against illegal fireworks by turning to drone technology, resulting in dozens of citations and hefty fines over the July 4 holiday.
In a coordinated effort between Riverside Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement, officials issued 65 administrative citations, each carrying a $1,500 fine, for illegal fireworks violations. Small drones were deployed across the city to help track and document illegal fireworks activity.
The drones allowed enforcement teams to gather real-time video evidence from the air, pinpointing the exact locations where fireworks were set off. Each case was reviewed and verified before any citations were issued. From June 27 to July 4, Riverside logged more than 500 fireworks-related service calls—an increase from the previous year—along with over 400 complaints through its 311 system.
“Illegal fireworks are not just a nuisance. They can trigger massive fires and cause serious injuries,” said Riverside Fire Chief Steve McKinster. Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez added that drone surveillance has become an essential tool for identifying violations without risking the safety of officers or firefighters.
The push for stricter enforcement comes after a series of dangerous incidents linked to fireworks. July 2024’s Hawarden Fire, the largest in Riverside’s history, was sparked by illegal fireworks and caused significant damage. In June 2025, the Mandalay Fire burned over 83 acres and forced evacuations after flames swept through dry brush in the city.
Other California cities ramp up fireworks enforcement
Similar measures are being used in other parts of California. Sacramento imposes fines of $1,000 to $2,500 for illegal fireworks and has launched public reporting tools to help curb violations.
According to reports, one illegal fireworks display in 2024 led to the owner of a property receiving a massive $100,000 fine.
Cities across the state have tightened restrictions as fire risks grow, with high temperatures and dry conditions raising concerns.
Instead of lighting off explosives during the holiday, Alaska residents opted to shove their cars off a cliff to celebrate the Fourth of July.
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