Sheriff’s Office receives 285 illegal fireworks complaints on July 4
– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office issued 21 fireworks violation notices, submitted five criminal fireworks cases to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, and continues to investigate additional violations following its Fourth of July enforcement effort, according to a press release.
The Sheriff’s Office deployed maximum staffing on July 3 and July 4 to enforce the county’s fireworks ordinance in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. The agency said it took a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks violations.
On July 4, Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received more than 1,100 calls for service, including 285 calls related to illegal fireworks.
As part of the enforcement effort, deputies issued 21 county fireworks violation notices, submitted five criminal fireworks cases to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office for filing, and identified 11 additional locations through drone operations that will receive fireworks violation notices by mail. Sheriff’s Office personnel continue reviewing drone footage, and officials said additional violations may still be identified.
Violations of the county’s fireworks ordinance carry fines of up to $1,000.
The Sheriff’s Office said it used deputies, the Sheriff’s Compliance Unit, the Sheriff’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Drone Team, the Sheriff’s Off-Highway Vehicle Team, the Sheriff’s Aero Squadron, and personnel from Cal Fire during the enforcement effort.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies observed fewer illegal fireworks violations than during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday. The agency attributed the decrease to the county’s fireworks ordinance, increased enforcement, and residents and visitors choosing professional fireworks displays instead of illegal fireworks.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for helping make the Fourth of July holiday safe and encouraged continued cooperation to reduce the dangers associated with illegal fireworks.
This is good news, but until and unless a person or persons are identified and punished, these citations will have very little impact.
This is good news, but until and unless a person or persons are identified and punished, these citations will have very little impact.