The city of Sacramento said penalties may be issued not only to people using illegal fireworks.

GALT, Calif. — Cities across the Sacramento region are continuing their crackdown on illegal fireworks after the Fourth of July, mailing out hundreds of thousands of dollars in citations as officials say drone technology helped identify violations.

In Galt, the city said its Code Enforcement Division, Galt Police Department and Cosumnes Fire Department partnered during Independence Day celebrations to address illegal fireworks and promote public safety.



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Using drone technology and video evidence, enforcement teams identified 20 locations where illegal fireworks violations occurred. The city has issued a total of $391,000 in administrative fines, and notices of violation have been mailed.

Under Galt’s municipal code, each illegal firework used, possessed or ignited is considered a separate violation and carries a $1,000 fine. The city said penalties may be issued not only to people using illegal fireworks, but also to property owners, renters and event hosts who allow illegal fireworks activity on their property.

Galt resident and Former Galt Vice Mayor Mike Singleton said the amount of fines suggests many people ignored warnings before the Fourth of July.

“That’s a lot of people that didn’t read the article before 4th of July, and now they’re going to have to pay for it,” Singleton said.

Singleton said this year’s holiday was noticeably quieter than previous years.

“I have not heard as many as I used to. The year before this, the year before that, and the year before that, you’d hear them for a good probably two weeks to a month after the 4th of July, so no, not as many at all,” Singleton said. “Aerial drones seem to help a bit to pin down.” 

Anthony Brannon, who recently moved to the neighborhood, said the fines are too expensive to risk.

“Fireworks ain’t worth having to pay for them twice. I ain’t gonna pay for them and then have to pay to let them off,” Brannon said. “I don’t even really celebrate the 4th of July too much. I’d just be kicked back in the house. If I can get the kids some sparklers, then we’re good to go.” 

Other cities across the region also reported issuing citations after the holiday.

Elk Grove Police said officers, code enforcement personnel and four Drone as First Responder units worked throughout the evening while dispatchers handled nearly 400 calls between 6 p.m. and midnight. The department reported 48 drone flights, 37 fireworks violations and $239,000 in citations.

In Stockton, approximately 68 social host citations were issued between June 28 and July 5, including 48 by Fire Prevention and 20 by Code Enforcement. Most were first-offense citations carrying $1,000 fines, with a few second-offense citations of $2,000 still being processed, for approximately $70,000 in citations. City Councilmember Michele Padilla said the total represents a 25% decrease from 2025, when 91 citations were issued.

The Sacramento Fire Department said about 70 citations were issued July 4, totaling at least $300,000. Officials said one home in the North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights area is expected to receive at least $100,000 in fines after drone footage documented numerous illegal fireworks violations.

Sean Givens said there were still illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July but believes increased enforcement has reduced activity before and after the holiday.

“But since the city is putting drones in the air, there’s more of a police presence, that it seems to have minimized some of that,” Givens said.

As a homeowner, Givens said his concerns have shifted from enjoying fireworks when he was younger to worrying about fire danger.

“We have to do something to stop the destruction,” Givens said. “I am a big believer in personal freedoms. But, you know, the law is the law and fire is dangerous. So I’m happy about it,” Givens said.

The City of Galt said its fireworks ordinance is intended to reduce the risk of fires, injuries, property damage and other public safety hazards associated with illegal fireworks. Cities across the region say enforcement efforts will continue next year.

More from ABC10: Sacramento home faces at least $100,000 in fines after illegal fireworks investigation

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