Surprise for those who use fireworks. California has used drones to identify illegal fireworks and is imposing fines of up to $10,000 on owners responsible for such illegality. It all happened during the Fourth of July celebrations, when state authorities deployed drones to monitor the sky for Hollywood stars.
A resident received a $100,000 fine after drone footage showed fireworks
The drones are equipped with cameras that recorded scenes that later served as conclusive evidence for authorities to issue fines. It’s important to note that fines go to the property owners, not the person carrying out the act. One notable case, according to local media, occurred in Elk Grove. A resident received a $100,000 fine after drone footage showed fireworks dropping embers onto the roofs of neighboring homes, an act that could cause a fire.
The fines range from $1,000 to more than $10,000
The fines range from $1,000 to more than $10,000 as we have seen. Fines vary by city, but in places like Sacramento, they can increase very quickly. $1,000 for the first firework; $2,500 for the second; $5,000 for each additional one; up to $10,000 per firework if launched on public property, like a park.
According to some reports, in the city of Riverside alone, 80 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, police deployed five drones during the Fourth of July and issued 65 citations with fines of $1,500 each.
Forest or urban fires; serious injuries, especially to children; property damage…
In any case, authorities warn that it’s not just about fines. The use of illegal fireworks poses a specific danger to the community. Authorities warn that they can cause: forest or urban fires; serious injuries, especially to children; property damage; and trauma to pets and people with hearing or psychological sensitivity.
In any case, there are fireworks in the State. Fireworks allowed in California are those that don’t make any of the actions the California Governor’s Office of Emergency stated as illegal, as we previously mentioned such as handheld sparklers, fountains that shoot sparks but stay on the ground, smoke balls and other devices that remain static and do not pose danger if used properly.
A spark can even fall near wooded areas and start a potentially catastrophic fire
Specifically, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has banned devices that rise into the sky, explode, and/or travel uncontrollably. Accidents due to improper handling of fireworks occur every year, so even if authorities think they can control the device, if authorities recommend against it, it’s best to obey the law.
As we mentioned before, the exact range of one of these fireworks cannot be known; a spark can even fall near wooded areas and start a potentially catastrophic fire. Therefore, extreme caution is essential.
The most important thing is raising awareness among citizens
Drones can record video from the air; they are hard to see so people don’t know they’re being watched, and they allow police and firefighters to have clear visual evidence to justify their purposes. Some citizens also question how legal this type of “spying” should be. Residents’ privacy is compromised by fireworks recordings, which has raised concerns on social media.
Ultimately, the most important thing isn’t fines or bans; it’s raising awareness among citizens. It’s important to understand how important and serious handling fireworks can be. While it may seem innocent, a way to have fun and see beautiful lights in the sky, it can also end in tragedy. Besides, what’s brighter in the sky than the stars?
