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In California, this unlawful activity carries a harsh penalty of up to $100,000! Thousands of people lit fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, in the United States. However, many of those explosives were prohibited in California, and many people were unaware that the authorities were using covert drones to keep an eye on things. Therefore, there are a few things you should know before setting off fireworks in California.
A new aerial surveillance in California
Authorities in a number of Californian towns used drones fitted with cameras to fly over neighborhoods over the holiday weekend as a covert but efficient way to find criminals.
The airborne units captured individuals setting off legally forbidden fireworks, and the photos were used as proof to impose fines on the property owners where the incidents took place.
In Riverside, a city roughly 80 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, a glaring case occurred. According to local authorities, the police there used five drones during the July 4th operation and were able to issue 65 violations with $1,500 fines apiece.
What fireworks are prohibited in California?
You must not employ gadgets that: Rise into the air, explode, or move uncontrollably, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
For instance, the most frequently categorized harmful devices include aerial shells, firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and sparklers that explode or rise.
These explosives provide a significant risk of property damage, severe injuries, and even fires. Therefore, use caution when utilizing them.
Which fireworks are legal in California?
However, in California, fireworks that don’t rise or explode are seen as safe and reasonable. These include:
- Handheld sparklers
- Spark fountains that remain on the ground
- Smoke balls
- Devices that don t move and can be handled with caution
Despite being lawful, they can only be used on specific days and in approved locations.
Penalties for illegal fireworks in California
The fact that the property owner where the infraction happened is the target of the penalty rather than the individual who lighted the fireworks is one of the most prominent points of contention. This implies that even if you weren’t there or were unaware of what was going on, you will still be cited if you rent your house and the tenants utilized illegal explosives.
Cities have different penalties, however in places like Sacramento, they can be:
- $1,000 for the first illegal device
- $2,500 for the second
- $5,000 for each additional one
- Up to $10,000 for each firework set off on public property
A homeowner of Elk Grove, close to Sacramento, was fined $100,000 in 2023 after a drone captured his fireworks launching embers over nearby rooftops, posing a serious fire hazard.
The risk of fireworks
The campaign against illegal fireworks is about the dangers they represent, not just the noise or trouble they cause. Fire chiefs and officials of the local government claim that these gadgets can:
- Cause wildfires
- Injure people, especially children
- Damage homes
- Affect pets and people with auditory sensitivity
The Riverside Fire Department’s chief made it plain that these kinds of activities are not only an annoyance; they pose a serious risk and will not be accepted. Knowing which pyrotechnics are permitted and which will get you in hot water is crucial if you’re considering using them in California. Nobody wants to cope with a fine of up to $100,000, so be cautious, abide by the regulations, and have pleasure in the festivities without running the danger.
