After Action Report
August 8, 2023
1 City of Salinas
Fireworks Enforcement Operations
Outreach & Education
Multi-media campaign from June 1st to July 15th, decreased involvement from residents in the reporting use of illegal fireworks Large signs placed at key intersections and within neighborhoods throughout the city.
Social media posts, print press, radio and television news stories. 2 Revenue Statistics
3 Statistical Information:
Duration: June 1st – July 15th, 2023
Funding Sources 2022 2023
“Safe & Sane” retail fireworks booth application fees: $6,905 $7,513 “Safe & Sane” fireworks retail sales surcharges (7% of gross): $76,595 $71,400 Illegal fireworks Administrative Citations collected: $70,170 $55,517* *2022 revenue Total Estimated Revenue $153,670 $134,430
Charitable Organizations Statistics
4 2023 Fireworks Sales Total : $71,400.75
Fire Department Operation & Statistics
During this period in 2023, SFD responded to a total of 2,127 emergency incidents. A breakdown of the fire incidents with previous years’ data is provided as follows:
2022 2023
Structure Fires: 56 15
Vegetation Fires: 40 62
Misc. Fires (Dumpsters, etc.): 38 18
Total: 134 95
5 Illegal Fireworks Reports
Reports to 911 Dispatch Center, Q-Alert Salinas Connect and Fireworks Website/Tip Line = 500 +/-
Illegal fireworks activity was relatively similar to last year.
Staff attributes this to the following factors:
Holiday was on a Tuesday
Increased costs- fireworks and fuel
Public receiving our outreach message
6 Observe and Document
Members of the Fireworks Enforcement Task Force consisted of:
Fire Personnel
Code Enforcement Officers
Other City Staff
They were deployed in unmarked and marked units.
The multiple divisions involved assisted with observation and documentation.
Citizen participation in reporting illegal fireworks was consistent with last year. 7 From unmarked vehicle – Fire/Code
Observe and Document – Drone Team
Newly formed SFD Drone Team deployed two drones
8 Aerial Picture
Drone Footage
Illegal Fireworks Statistics
The total number of Administrative Citations 110.
Administrative fines remain unchanged from the previous year at $1,250 with a noise violation of $250.
Largest single citation is $37,500.
Total citations to be issued $322,500.
9 Education & Enforcement Expenses
2022 2023
Fire Department Overtime: $14,645 $6,114
Police Department Overtime: $10,129 $0.00
Code Enforcement Overtime: $752 $1,045
Public Works Overtime: $918 $2,964
MoCo 911 Overtime: N/A – Limited Staff N/A – Limited Staff Outside Services: $17,850 $8,720
Vehicle Rental: $1,478 $1,153
Sign Printing: N/A $3,500
Total Expenses: $45,772 $23,496
10 Recommendations
Work with community groups to establish a community-based organized fireworks display to discourage “at-home” use of illegal fireworks.
Increase publicity of undercover activity and citation statistics in traditional and social media.
Increase utilization of Drone Teams (SPD and SFD) on future July 4th Holidays.
Consider utilization of additional city employees, willing to observe and report.
Increase sharing of regional resources to target illegal fireworks sales.
Continue attempts to engage neighborhood groups and citizens in “observe and report” roles and the distribution of signage. 11 Conclusion and Next Steps
The goal of these programs continues to focus on changing social consciousness at the individual and neighborhood level. It should be acknowledged that this is an ongoing process over many years.
Future years’ plans will build on these successes. The Council Fireworks Subcommittee and City staff will remain engaged with constituents to discuss and implement recommendations to bring about a social change and improve the quality of life for the residents of Salinas. 12 Questions?
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