With the Fourth of July approaching, the city of Santa Maria encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly, and is again offering tools for residents to report illegal fireworks.

• Sales of “safe-and-sane” fireworks begin at noon Sunday, June 28 from 23 licensed booths to benefit nonprofit groups.

• The 12-hour period on July 4 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. is the only time “safe-and-sane” fireworks may be used within the city limits. Santa Maria residents may report illegal fireworks using the city’s fireworks hotline, 925-0951 ext. 3473 (FIRE).

• Santa Maria residents may request the issuance of an administrative citation for the possession, manufacture, storing, selling, handling, or usage of illegal fireworks through the third-party administrative citation process.

All witnesses are requested to submit documentary evidence in the form of photos and/or video of the alleged violation. See www.cityofsantamaria.org/fireworks.

• Anyone caught using illegal fireworks can be subject to a $1,000 fine. In 2025, the city issued 119 citations at $1,000 apiece.

• Free “Noise Sensitive Resident Lives Here” fireworks yard signs are available in English and in Spanish, at City Hall, 110 E. Cook St., for Santa Maria residents.

County Animal Services, at 548 W. Foster Road, will have pet crate loans from Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A Pet Relaxation Clinic is also being offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 3. Free microchips, collars and ID tags are also available.

For more, refer to www.sbcanimalservices.org/july4.