Key facts
- Numerous US cities increased drone deployment for illegal fireworks detection during the Fourth of July.
- The Sacramento Fire Department issued fines totaling $300,000 for illegal fireworks, with one potential fine reaching $100,000.
- First responders are increasingly using drones for surveillance and enforcement, a trend accelerated by FAA regulatory changes.
- The Anaheim Police Department confiscated 2,500 pounds of illegal fireworks with drone assistance.
- Over 1,800 police departments in the US now operate drones for public safety.
More cities and towns across the United States deployed drones to identify and deter illegal fireworks during the recent Fourth of July celebrations. This marks an expansion of "drone as first responder" programs, with law enforcement and fire departments leveraging the technology for public safety.
The Sacramento Fire Department, utilizing its drones for the first time, issued 70 citations totaling $300,000, with potential fines reaching up to $100,000 per incident. Captain Justin Sylvia explained that the high-resolution video capabilities help investigators pinpoint locations and count fireworks. The department has previously issued substantial fines, including a potential $1 million fine in 2025.
Other departments are also increasing their drone usage. The Salinas Fire Department trained firefighters as drone pilots and warned of nearly 100 citations expected over the holiday weekend. In Southern California, the Anaheim Police Department used drones to issue 40 citations and confiscate 2,500 pounds of fireworks, while the Santa Ana Police Department assisted in seizing nearly 1,300 pounds of illegal fireworks and issued 107 citations. Several other California cities, including Riverside, Downey, and San Jose, also deployed drones.
Beyond California, the Lewisville Police Department in Texas reported responding to 19 fireworks incidents with drones, and the Renton Police Department in Washington state has used drones for this purpose for three years. The broader trend is supported by updated FAA regulations since 2025, which allow for faster approvals of waivers for drone operations beyond visual line of sight. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, over 1,800 police departments in the U.S. now operate drones, with researchers emphasizing the need for clear policies on data retention and use.