Santa Maria will issue between 100 and 110 citations for the use of illegal fireworks around the July 4 holiday, according to the City of Santa Maria.

The final number depends on confirmation of aerial information obtained by a third-party contractor.

The number is up from 63 issued by the City in 2024, said Fire Chief Brad Dandridge.

Most of the citations were issued during ground operations conducted by Santa Maria Police and fire prevention officers, according to the City.

Santa Maria contracted for a fourth year with a third party-operated aircraft equipped with video and GPS to monitor illegal firework activity within City limits on July 4. The aircraft can identify the exact locations of launches, which leads to a citation and a $1,000 fine to the property owner.

An exact number

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