The city of Santa Maria is issuing a record number of citations for the use of illegal fireworks in 2025.

Between 100 to 110 citations are likely, Fire Chief Brad Dandridge said. Last year, the city issued 63.

Most of this year’s citations were issued by ground operations conducted by Santa Maria police and fire prevention officers.

This was the fourth year the city contracted with a third party-operated aircraft equipped with video and GPS to monitor illegal firework activity within city limits on the Fourth of July.

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 of violations recorded by the aircraft are not yet available, the city said. To ensure no duplications, fire prevention personnel are reviewing several dozen separate videos taken by the aircraft to ensure accuracy and determine the validity of each citation.

The long-term goal is to mitigate the use of illegal fireworks.

The city said it is aware of the magnitude of the pyrotechnic explosions and the unwelcome impacts on residents and pets who are noise sensitive.

Local residents are encouraged to celebrate Independence Day in a safe and responsible manner.

Direct questions to the Fire Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 2255.