Sacramento, California – Sacramento will have extra eyes above its neighborhoods.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the Sacramento Fire Department is turning to drones to help spot illegal fireworks activity across the city. The effort is part of a wider holiday safety push involving Fire Prevention Officers and City Code Enforcement, who will also be out in neighborhoods as officials try to prevent fires, injuries, property damage, and avoidable emergency calls before they happen.
The message from fire officials is simple: celebrate, but do it safely.
Illegal fireworks remain a major concern during the holiday period because one spark can turn quickly into a dangerous situation. A fire can begin in dry grass, spread near homes, or put nearby families at risk in a matter of minutes. Fire officials are also warning that illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries and damage to homes and neighborhoods.
That is why Sacramento Fire is asking residents to leave dangerous fireworks to professionals and report illegal activity when they see it.
Anyone who witnesses illegal fireworks being used within the City of Sacramento can report it by calling the non-emergency fire line at 916-808-3473, also listed by the department as 916-808-FIRE. Residents can also download the free Sacramento Fire Department Community App and submit a report directly through the app.
The department’s use of drones adds another layer to the city’s enforcement and prevention work. While officers patrol from the ground, drones will help identify fireworks activity from the air, giving crews another way to track possible problem areas during one of the busiest and riskiest times of the summer.
Officials are reminding residents that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are allowed within the City of Sacramento. Those fireworks must display the California State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal. Fireworks outside that category are illegal and can bring serious consequences.
Sacramento Fire says fines for illegal fireworks can range from $1,000 up to $10,000. Property owners and renters may also be held responsible if illegal fireworks are used on their property, even if they are not the person lighting them.
The warning comes as neighborhoods prepare for gatherings, cookouts, and holiday celebrations. For many families, fireworks are part of the tradition. But fire officials are urging people to think beyond the moment. What feels like a quick burst of fun can end with a burned fence, a damaged home, a trip to the hospital, or an emergency call that could have been avoided.
Sacramento Fire is asking everyone to take part in keeping the city safe. That means using only permitted fireworks, watching for unsafe activity, reporting illegal fireworks, and protecting neighbors who may be especially vulnerable during the holiday, including children, older adults, pets, and people living near fire-prone areas.
The Fourth of July is meant to be a celebration. Sacramento officials want it to stay that way.
With drones in the sky, prevention teams on the streets, and residents encouraged to report illegal fireworks, the city is preparing for a holiday night where safety is the main goal. The department’s reminder is direct: illegal fireworks can cause devastating fires, serious injuries, and damage to homes and neighborhoods.
This year, Sacramento Fire is asking the public to help keep the holiday bright without letting it become dangerous.