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SPECIAL EVENT OPERATIONS ORDERS
4th of July Fireworks enforcement
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
1500 – 0100 hours
SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT MISSION
The mission of this event is to ensure public safety and maintain order, with special attention given to potential issues involving individuals under the influence of alcohol. The goal of the Salinas Police Department is to provide a safe environment for both the event and the community members in attendance. The Salinas Police Department will also work to ensure that traffic surrounding the event is not adversely impacted and that any calls for service related to the event are promptly addressed.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
As we approach July 4th, calls reporting illegal fireworks will begin to increase. As a result, several brush fires occur and homes catch fire in Salinas. While we may not be able to prevent every incident, it’s critical that we address violations whenever possible. Please note that some of the codes have recently changed and below is a quick guide to fireworks enforcement.
The most effective method we have to deter the use of illegal fireworks is Salinas City Code 5-02.19 (SCC). This section allows for an administrative citation to be issued to the property owner where illegal activity is taking place. If you observe aerial fireworks coming from a specific backyard or location, be sure to enter the address you suspect into CAD. Document your observations as thoroughly as possible, complete a report under 5-02.19 SCC, and forward it to the City of Salinas Fire Prevention Division. Fire Prevention staff will issue the administrative citations to the property owners after July 4th. Additionally, while making direct contact with the suspected residents can be helpful, it is not required under this section. If feasible, make contact, obtain statements, collect any additional illegal fireworks, and photograph any debris or remains from what was launched.
If you observe someone in possession of illegal fireworks, use section 5-02.03 SCC General Prohibition Against Possession, Use, or Sale of Fireworks in conjunction with 5-02.19 SCC Administrative Fines and Penalties. Section 5-02.03 establishes that any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor. Under Section 5-02.19, dangerous fireworks cases involving possession, use, sale, or display carries an administrative fine of not less than $1,250 per offense.
While applicable Health and Safety (H&S) code sections may also be used, SCC sections are preferred. To determine whether fireworks are illegal (and not “safe and sane”), look for the State of California registration seal on the packaging; legal “safe and sane” fireworks will display this seal, as shown on the attached California Department of Forestry H&S Code reference sheet.
In most cases, photograph the confiscated fireworks, place them in the storage locker located outside Fire Station #1 (no evidence tag required), and contact the on-duty Battalion Chief for access. In more serious cases involving large quantities or suspected illegal sales, complete an evidence tag and book the items into the designated evidence locker at Fire Station #1 as retained property.
If you seize fireworks, issue a citation, or submit a report to Fire Prevention for an administrative citation, please be sure to document the incident on the stat sheet located on the Watch Commander’s desk so we can accurately track our activity and enforcement numbers.
SITUATION
Overview of Unit Assignments
This year, the 4th of July falls on a Saturday, and an increase in illegal fireworks use is anticipated as day gets closer.
The number of officers and sergeants assigned to fireworks enforcement is still to be determined. Sergeants will have access to all fireworks-related crime tips as they are logged by fire personnel and will assign cases to officers for investigation as needed. Enforcement actions will be taken whenever possible. Depending on the situation, officers may issue citations, make arrests, and/or take administrative action. For administrative actions, a report will be completed and forwarded to the Fire Department for follow-up. Confiscated fireworks will be disposed of at a location designated by the Fire Department.
Drone units will respond to fireworks reports and will proactively monitor areas for illegal activity. Unless public safety is at risk or other criminal activity is observed, direct contact with individuals discharging illegal fireworks is not required. Violations and their locations will be documented, and footage will be uploaded according to policy. Each recording will be labeled with a citation number provided by the Salinas Fire Department, and citations will subsequently be mailed by the Fire Prevention staff.
EXECUTION OF THE MISSION
Event Briefing
Salinas Police Department and Salinas Fire Department will conduct a briefing at Fire Station 1 at 1700 hrs.
COMMUNICATIONS
Dispatch
All communications for this event will take place on SPD Channel TBD.
Radio Designators
All Salinas Police Department personnel will be assigned a radio call sign. Those personnel with designated unit call signs (ie: Traffic / Detectives / Reserve Officers) will use their assigned unit call sign. All others will be given a “Frank” unit call sign. Call sign numbers will begin with #10 and increase until all officers have a radio call sign assigned to them.
Chain of Command
All Sworn Officers will report directly to the assigned supervisors for the event (refer to assignment sheet). The Sergeant will personally notify each on duty Watch Commander of the event, along with providing a personnel roster with radio designators. A copy of the Operations Orders will be provided to the on duty Watch Commander.