DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS FIRE DEPARTMENT
SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
CARLOS ACOSTA, CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE: SALINAS FIRE AND POLICE 2026 FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT PLAN RECOMMENDED MOTION:
No action is required. This report is submitted to the City Council for informational purposes only, in accordance with Salinas Municipal Code Section 5-02.22.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Measure C, an initiative measure approved by the voters of Salinas in June 2016, allows for the sale and use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks within the city. One component of the measure requires the Salinas Fire Department and the Salinas Police Department to present a plan outlining public education and enforcement efforts to address illegal fireworks use during the Fourth of July holiday. The plan is multifaceted and includes education, enforcement, and response elements.
BACKGROUND:
As most fireworks violations are considered misdemeanors under the law, it is a challenge to prosecute offenders under the rules of evidence and proof without eyewitness corroboration. To that end, our enforcement efforts will again focus on public involvement, education, and the city’s administrative citation process aid in making the sale and use of illegal fireworks “socially unacceptable”.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The objectives of the Salinas Police and Salinas Fire Department’s Fourth of July enforcement plan are to support the City Council’s goals and; Encourage emergency preparedness and community resiliency by reducing fire, life-safety, and injury risks associated with illegal fireworks.
Protect public health and safety through proactive enforcement efforts that deter illegal fireworks activity and reduce nuisances in residential neighborhoods.
Strengthen collaboration with partner agencies by coordinating enforcement, response, and outreach efforts with the Salinas Police Department, Salinas Fire Department, other City departments, neighboring jurisdictions, regional partners, and media outlets in support of a unified Fourth of July enforcement strategy.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Fireworks enforcement is truly a Citywide effort, made possible through the shared commitment, staff time, and resources of multiple departments working toward the common goal of protecting public safety and community well-being.
The illegal fireworks enforcement task force usually consists of personnel from City Administration, Community Development, Fire, Police, Information Technologies, Library and Community Services, and Public Works.
Additionally, Public Works will assist with the installation of banners at major intersections to support public outreach and awareness efforts. Information Technology will assist with communication tools, hot spots, and operational support with a live call center. The Public Information Office will coordinate enforcement messaging with local media outlets. The City Attorney’s Office and the Finance Department will also be active partners, each contributing in their respective areas.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Costs to cover the 2026 emergency response and enforcement efforts for illegal fireworks will be paid through the 7% surcharge recovered from the sale of Safe-n-Sane fireworks. Additional costs beyond what is collected by the surcharge will be paid for by the General Fund.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
ATTACHMENTS:
Enforcement Plan PowerPoint
SPD Ops Plan
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