Santa Maria is once again using aerial surveillance and $1,000 fines to deter illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July, holding property owners accountable for launches from their addresses.

The city issued 63 citations last year, many based on GPS and video footage from a surveillance aircraft used to track illegal fireworks, according to Mark van de Kamp, public information manager for the City of Santa Maria. 

Van de Kamp said the approach is part of the city’s ongoing response to widespread complaints about fireworks activity in Santa Maria, particularly on July 4, when large-scale displays often continue for hours across city neighborhoods.

“This aircraft is equipped with GPS and video and can pinpoint the property from which the launches take place,” Van de Kamp said. “A citation will be issued to the property owner, regardless of who actually discharged the firework.”

The aircraft enforcement method, first introduced in 2022, is now part of a larger effort to respond to resident concerns about fireworks disrupting neighborhoods. Residents have raised complaints about fireworks triggering anxiety in pets and veterans, creating excessive noise late into the night and littering city streets with trash.

“Displeased might not be a strong enough word for some people,” Van de Kamp said. “They’re upset about the noise and the debris that’s left behind.”

He said the city’s strategy centers on education, enforcement and entertainment, with officials hoping that outreach and organized events can help reduce the volume of illegal activity.

County Fireworks Rules and Safety Reminders

Fireworks laws vary across Santa Barbara County. Santa Maria permits the use of state-approved “safe and sane” fireworks on July 4 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., but they may only be lit on private property and away from dry vegetation or other flammable materials.

Lompoc and Guadalupe also allow fireworks under limited conditions.

All fireworks are banned in the unincorporated county and in the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton and Solvang, according to a July 4 safety advisory from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

County Fire is encouraging residents to avoid personal fireworks and attend professional displays instead, warning that illegal fireworks can spark wildfires, cause injuries and overwhelm emergency resources, particularly during the region’s dry summer months.

Santa Maria residents with pets, young children or family members sensitive to loud noises can request a yard sign that discourages nearby fireworks use. The signs, available in both English and Spanish, can be obtained at the Santa Maria City Hall reception desk during normal business hours while supplies last.

Pet Safety and Preparation

Animal welfare advocates are urging residents to protect pets from the stress and danger fireworks can cause.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services is offering free crate loans through Monday as well as tips for keeping pets safe:

• Keep pets indoors and in a secure, quiet space during fireworks.
• Use calming music or white noise to help mask outdoor sounds.
• Ensure all pets wear collars with ID tags.
• Check that fences and gates are secure before the holiday.
• Never bring pets to fireworks displays or crowded parties.

“Independence Day is one of the busiest times of year for shelters across the country,”
said Sarah Aguilar, director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services. “Microchipping
and secure containment are simple, effective ways to help ensure pets stay safe and get
home quickly if they run off during fireworks or festivities.”

If your pet becomes lost:

• File a report and upload a photo to Petco Love Lost. This free tool uses facial
  recognition to search shelter and community found pet databases.
• Use this interactive map to see if your pet has been reported found nearby.
• Check with local shelters in person.
• Post on neighborhood platforms such as Nextdoor and Facebook right away since many pets are found within just a few miles of home.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services locations:

• Santa Maria Animal Center: 548 W. Foster Road
• Lompoc Animal Center: 1501 W. Central Ave.
• Santa Barbara Animal Center: 5473 Overpass Road

Veterinarian Dr. Bonnie Franklin recommends walking dogs earlier, giving them a bathroom break before fireworks begin and setting up a covered crate or quiet space where they feel safe.

Franklin suggests using white noise from a fan, TV or radio to mask the noise and advises staying nearby to help pets stay calm. For severe anxiety, she recommends speaking with a veterinarian about medication.

How to Report Illegal Fireworks

Santa Maria residents can report illegal fireworks by calling the city’s fireworks hotline at 805.925.0951 x3473. Reports also may be submitted through the city’s website, where witnesses are encouraged to upload photos or video to support enforcement efforts.

In other parts of the county, residents are reminded not to call 9-1-1 for fireworks complaints unless there is an immediate emergency. Reports should instead be directed to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 805.683.2724.