News
Released: July 10, 2026 - Friday, 04:25 PM
To help keep communities safe over the holiday weekend, the Sheriff's Office deployed maximum staffing on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violations of the County's fireworks ordinance. Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to public safety, including fires, injuries, property damage, and unnecessary strain on emergency resources. They can also have significant impacts on pets, livestock, veterans, and others who are sensitive to the loud noises associated with fireworks.
On July 4 alone, Sheriff's Office Dispatch received more than 1,100 calls for service, including 285 calls specifically related to illegal fireworks.
As a result of the enforcement effort:
• 21 County fireworks violation notices were issued.
• Five criminal fireworks cases were submitted to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office for filing.
• Eleven additional locations identified through drone operations will receive fireworks violation notices by mail.
• Sheriff's Office personnel continue to review drone footage, and additional violations may still be identified.
Violations of the County's fireworks ordinance carry a fine of up to $1,000.
The Sheriff's Office utilized a wide range of resources during the enforcement effort, including Sheriff's Deputies, the Sheriff's Compliance Unit, the Sheriff's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone Team, the Sheriff's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Team, the Sheriff's Aero Squadron, and personnel from CAL FIRE, all working together to identify and address illegal fireworks activity throughout the county.
Overall, the Sheriff's Office observed fewer illegal fireworks violations than during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday. We believe that improvement is the result of several factors, including the County's fireworks ordinance, the Sheriff's Office's increased enforcement presence, and the many residents and visitors who chose to celebrate responsibly by attending professional fireworks displays instead of using illegal fireworks.
The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for helping make this year's Fourth of July holiday both safe and enjoyable. By working together, we can continue to reduce the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and protect our communities.
Illegal Fireworks Enforcement Results
Contact: Grace NorrisPhone: [email protected]Date and time of incident: July 4, 2026Place of Occurrence: San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AThe Sheriff's Office is sharing the results of its Fourth of July enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the use of illegal fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county.To help keep communities safe over the holiday weekend, the Sheriff's Office deployed maximum staffing on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, taking a zero-tolerance approach to violations of the County's fireworks ordinance. Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to public safety, including fires, injuries, property damage, and unnecessary strain on emergency resources. They can also have significant impacts on pets, livestock, veterans, and others who are sensitive to the loud noises associated with fireworks.
On July 4 alone, Sheriff's Office Dispatch received more than 1,100 calls for service, including 285 calls specifically related to illegal fireworks.
As a result of the enforcement effort:
• 21 County fireworks violation notices were issued.
• Five criminal fireworks cases were submitted to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office for filing.
• Eleven additional locations identified through drone operations will receive fireworks violation notices by mail.
• Sheriff's Office personnel continue to review drone footage, and additional violations may still be identified.
Violations of the County's fireworks ordinance carry a fine of up to $1,000.
The Sheriff's Office utilized a wide range of resources during the enforcement effort, including Sheriff's Deputies, the Sheriff's Compliance Unit, the Sheriff's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Drone Team, the Sheriff's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Team, the Sheriff's Aero Squadron, and personnel from CAL FIRE, all working together to identify and address illegal fireworks activity throughout the county.
Overall, the Sheriff's Office observed fewer illegal fireworks violations than during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday. We believe that improvement is the result of several factors, including the County's fireworks ordinance, the Sheriff's Office's increased enforcement presence, and the many residents and visitors who chose to celebrate responsibly by attending professional fireworks displays instead of using illegal fireworks.
The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for helping make this year's Fourth of July holiday both safe and enjoyable. By working together, we can continue to reduce the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and protect our communities.
