RIO LINDA, CA – Sacramento County Code Enforcement is celebrating a major win against illegal fireworks this summer, with new data showing a dramatic increase in penalties issued despite a decrease in community complaints. The success is being attributed to a new strategy combining technology, community collaboration, and stronger evidence collection.
From mid-June through July, the Code Enforcement division received 774 complaints about illegal fireworks, a 26% drop from 2024. However, the agency turned those fewer reports into big results, issuing 72 penalties — a staggering 112% increase over the previous year.
Code Enforcement officers also ramped up their community engagement efforts, sending out 189 warning letters and conducting over 840 follow-ups with residents, nearly double the outreach from 2024.
A key to this success was a new focus on gathering high-quality evidence from residents. By working directly with complainants, officers were able to transform previously unactionable reports into cases that could be enforced.
Technology also played a crucial role. In a collaborative effort with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Code Enforcement utilized drones to pinpoint violators in real time. These drone operations alone were responsible for nearly one-third of all penalties issued during the period.
“These results show that collaboration, technology, and community involvement make a real difference in reducing illegal fireworks,” said Taylor Parker, Senior Code Enforcement Officer. “Every penalty issued sends a clear message: fireworks are dangerous, and those who use them illegally will be held accountable.”
Looking ahead, Code Enforcement plans to build on this momentum. They will continue to work with County partners to expand drone coverage, improve evidence collection methods, and strengthen public education campaigns in preparation for the 2026 fireworks season.
