July 4, Dixon Police Department deployed its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), commonly known as a drone, as part of its Fourth of July fireworks enforcement. Photo courtesy of Dixon Police Department

DIXON, CA (MPG) – July 4, Dixon Police Department deployed its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), commonly known as a drone, as part of its Fourth of July fireworks enforcement.

The drone team's primary focus was identifying the people and residences using illegal fireworks and promptly directing patrol officers to respond, confiscate fireworks and issue citations. Under the City's updated fireworks ordinance, each violation carries a $1,000 fine, and each firework set off in violation is a separate violation.

Property owners and hosts are also responsible. If illegal fireworks were used on property you own or control, or a party or gathering you were responsible for, you can be cited under the City's social host ordinance even if you did not light them yourself.

The drone recorded and documented every violation it observed. If officers were unable to respond to a location during the busiest hours, the documented violation was recorded, and the responsible party will receive a citation the following week. Even if officers didn’t catch you that night, you may still receive a $1,000 citation.

The Fourth of July is the busiest day of the year for our officers. In addition to the fireworks detail, on-duty staff responded to calls for service across the city, including collisions, driving under the influence, domestic violence and mental health crises. The department also provided public safety for the City's Independence Day fireworks display at Hall Park.

To report illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency line at 707-678-7080. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.