News
Released: June 29, 2026 - Monday, 02:46 PM
This includes the communities of Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston, Santa Margarita, San Miguel and all other unincorporated areas of the county.
Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to our communities. Every year, fireworks are responsible for fires, injuries, property damage, and unnecessary strain on emergency resources. They can also have significant impacts on pets, livestock, veterans, and neighbors who may be sensitive to the loud noises associated with fireworks.
To help ensure a safe holiday weekend, the Sheriff's Office will be deploying maximum staffing throughout the county and taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks violations. Deputies will be proactively enforcing the County's fireworks ordinance and responding to reports of illegal activity.
To report the use of illegal fireworks, call the Fireworks Reporting Hotline at 805-781-1933.
Residents should be aware of the following penalties:
• Fines of up to $1,000 per violation
• Each discharge may be considered a separate offense
• Parents and guardians may be held responsible for violations committed by minors
• Property owners may be cited for fireworks used on their property, even if they did not ignite them
• Violators may be charged for firefighting, law enforcement, medical response, and disposal costs
• Possession or use of dangerous fireworks may result in criminal charges
As a reminder, Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $500 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of individuals possessing illegal fireworks with the intent to sell them. Anyone with information regarding the possession or sale of illegal fireworks is encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers by calling (805) 549-7867, through the free P3 Tips mobile app, or online at the Crime Stoppers website.
The Sheriff's Office wishes everyone an enjoyable…and safe Independence Day holiday.
Illegal Fireworks Ban
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: 805-781-4547Date and time of incident: 6-29-2025Place of Occurrence: San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AWith the Fourth of July holiday fast approaching, the Sheriff's Office is reminding residents that fireworks, other than permitted professional displays, are prohibited in all unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.This includes the communities of Oceano, Cayucos, Nipomo, Avila Beach, Shandon, Creston, Santa Margarita, San Miguel and all other unincorporated areas of the county.
Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to our communities. Every year, fireworks are responsible for fires, injuries, property damage, and unnecessary strain on emergency resources. They can also have significant impacts on pets, livestock, veterans, and neighbors who may be sensitive to the loud noises associated with fireworks.
To help ensure a safe holiday weekend, the Sheriff's Office will be deploying maximum staffing throughout the county and taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks violations. Deputies will be proactively enforcing the County's fireworks ordinance and responding to reports of illegal activity.
To report the use of illegal fireworks, call the Fireworks Reporting Hotline at 805-781-1933.
Residents should be aware of the following penalties:
• Fines of up to $1,000 per violation
• Each discharge may be considered a separate offense
• Parents and guardians may be held responsible for violations committed by minors
• Property owners may be cited for fireworks used on their property, even if they did not ignite them
• Violators may be charged for firefighting, law enforcement, medical response, and disposal costs
• Possession or use of dangerous fireworks may result in criminal charges
As a reminder, Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $500 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of individuals possessing illegal fireworks with the intent to sell them. Anyone with information regarding the possession or sale of illegal fireworks is encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers by calling (805) 549-7867, through the free P3 Tips mobile app, or online at the Crime Stoppers website.
The Sheriff's Office wishes everyone an enjoyable…and safe Independence Day holiday.
