2025 Fireworks RecapPresented ByDeputy Chief Rick Sanchez
Fourth of July Weekend•During the Fourth of July weekend (July 3rd–July 5th), the Cathedral City Police Department augmented regularly scheduled patrol shifts with supplemental officers to address the ongoing challenge of illegal fireworks activity. The possession and discharge of aerial and explosive fireworks remain prohibited within city limits, yet they continue to generate numerous complaints and safety concerns annually.•In coordination with Code Enforcement and the Fire Department, the Police Department deployed additional personnel to focus on proactive enforcement, reduce firework-related activity, and address violations where appropriate.
Community Education•Public education campaigns were launched in June using local TV stations, social media and signage posted on fire engines and patrol vehicles to raise awareness and discourage illegal fireworks use.
July 3rd– 5th, 2025 DeploymentThursday, July 3rd– 6 Officers deployed on patrol and 2 Officers conducted Fireworks enforcement.Friday, July 4th– 6 Officers deployed on patrol and 3 Officers/Code Compliance conducted Fireworks enforcement.Saturday, July 5th– 6 Officers deployed on patrol and 2 Officers conducted Fireworks enforcement.
Fourth of July FireCall Volume Analysis (2023–2025)•Over the past three years July 3-5 Cathedral City Fire & EMS has consistently experienced elevated call volumes on the Fourth of July, reflecting the increased community activity and associated risk typical of this holiday. Looking at the day before and day after the 4thof July the following analysis was done•In2023, the department responded to142 calls•In2024, the department saw a noticeable uptick, responding to155 calls—a9% increasefrom the prior year. •In2025, call volume slightly decreased to139, representing a10% decreasefrom the previous year and aligning closely with 2023 levels. The decline may be partially credited to enhanced public outreach, prevention efforts, and stricter enforcement of firework regulations. 2025 Calls-for-Service•From July 3rd through July 5th, 2025, the Police Department deployed two additional officers per night shift. •On July 4th specifically, nine officers were assigned to patrol duties, with an additional three officers working alongside Code Enforcement to address firework violations. Dispatch was staffed with three dispatchers and one supervisor to handle the anticipated increase in call volume.•Call Volume Summary:•Total Calls for Service (July 3-5, 2025): 546•Fireworks-Related Calls: 77 2024-2025 Comparison7/4/2024 7/4/2025•Calls for Service: 118 194•Firework Calls: 74 55•Citations: 3 7•Arrests: 4 5•While total calls for service increased this year compared to the previous year, there was a decrease in fireworks-related calls, which may suggest that proactive enforcement and public education efforts contributed to deterrence. Notably, the holiday fell on a Friday in 2025 versus a Thursday in 2024, and Fridays historically tend to have a higher volume of calls for service.
Single-Day Fire Department Call Volume (July 4) ComparisonYear | Calls•2023- 26 calls for service•2024-25 calls for service•2025-18 calls for serviceObservations:•2023 compared to 2024: 26 calls for service-1 call decrease (3.8%)•2024 compared to 2025: 25 calls for service-7 call decrease (28.0%) June Comparison•June 1-30, 2025: •4,056 total calls / 12 fireworks-related•June 1-30, 2024: •4,274 total calls / 31 fireworks-related 2025 Fireworks confiscated
Total Arrests and CitationsJuly 3rd, 2025, through July 5, 2025•5 adults were arrested for violating Health & Safety Code 12700(b)(1) – possession of fireworks, a misdemeanor – and were issued citations.•Two additional individuals received Administrative Citations for disruptive activities, and several fireworks were confiscated throughout the evening.
Future Improvements•In 2026, the Police Department plans to utilize its Drone First Responder (DFR) program to enhance situational awareness and enforcement capabilities during high-activity periods such as the Fourth of July.•In 2026 the firedepartment will continue with our public outreach and education program.
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