With Independence Day approaching, the Dixon Police Department wants residents to know that the City has new fireworks rules and will be using its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), commonly known as a drone, for enforcement. Photo courtesy of Dixon Police Department

DIXON, CA (MPG) - With Independence Day approaching, the Dixon Police Department wants residents to know that the City has new fireworks rules and will be using its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), commonly known as a drone, for enforcement.

Under the City's updated fireworks ordinance (Dixon Municipal Code Chapter 9.02), dangerous and illegal fireworks are prohibited at all times, and every violation carries a fine of $1,000. Each individual firework discharged in violation is a separate violation, and there is no maximum limit.

The ordinance also holds property owners and hosts accountable. Under the new social host provision, a person who allows fireworks to be used in violation of the ordinance on property they own or control can be cited, even if they did not personally light them. If illegal fireworks are being set off at your home, you can be held responsible.

On the Fourth of July, the Police Department will deploy its drone team to identify the people and locations responsible for illegal fireworks and direct patrol officers to respond, confiscate fireworks and issue citations. The drone also records and documents what it observes. That means even if officers are unable to respond to the location that night, the violation will be recorded, and the responsible party will receive a citation in the mail the following week. In short, even if you are not contacted that night, you may still receive a $1,000 citation.

Safe and Sane fireworks, which carry the State Fire Marshal "Safe and Sane" seal, are legal in Dixon only during the permitted period and only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. They may not be set off on City property or on certain designated streets. Any other fireworks, including any that fly into the air or explode, are illegal.

The Department encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and to come out to the City's Independence Day fireworks display at Hall Park. To report illegal fireworks, call the Dixon Police Department non-emergency line at 707-678-7080. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.