City of Salinas Fireworks Enforcement Operations – After Action Report August 18
2026
CONTENTSCONTENTSEXPLANATION OF TERMS 3
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
AFTER ACTION REPORT OVERVIEW 5
STRENGTHS 13
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT 13
RECOMMENDATIONS 14
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS 14
IMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIX 15
EXPLANATION OF TERMSEXPLANATION OF TERMS
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
EXPLANATION OF TERMS
Examples:
AAR
After Action Report
CAD
Computer Aided Dispatch
COS
City of Salinas
EOC
Emergency Operations Center
SFD
Salinas Fire Department
SPD
Salinas Police Department
SCE
Salinas Code Enforcement
SPW
Salinas Public Works
OCA
Office of the City Attorney
ECD
Emergency Communications Department
IAP
Incident Action Plan
IC
Incident Command
ICP
Incident Command Post
ICS
Incident Command System
NGEN
Next Generation Emergency Network
RP
Reporting Party
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This report summarizes the various strategies used to enforce current laws and ordinances respective of illegal fireworks in the City of Salinas and will serve to highlight the relative successes and areas for improvement for future operations.
Focus:
Prevention / public outreach
Enforcement of illegal activity
Incident Response / mitigation
Classification:
Unclassified
For Official Use Only (FOUO)
By Invitation Only
Operation, Activity or Scenario:
Fire
Law Enforcement Action
Severe Weather
Hazardous Material Release
Bomb Threat
Medical Emergency
Evacuation
Lockdown
Special Event
Exercise/Drill
Other
Statistical information for this report was collected from CAD records, and the various reporting platforms for the period of June 1, 2026, through July 12, 2026.
AFTER ACTION REPORT OVERVIEWAFTER ACTION REPORT OVERVIEW
AFTER ACTION REPORT OVERVIEW
AFTER ACTION REPORT OVERVIEW
This report is a compilation of information from the different departments and staff who participated in the enforcement operations and public outreach campaigns. The information was gathered by the Salinas Fire Department (SFD), the Salinas Police Department (SPD), Salinas Public Works Department (SPW), Monterey County Emergency Communications Department (ECD), and other City staff.
The overall strategy for the public outreach campaign and enforcement plan was a collaborative effort on behalf of the SFD Prevention Division and other City departments, in collaboration with the City Council Fireworks Sub-Committee.
The recommendations in this AAR should be viewed with considerable attention to the needs for a safe and livable community. In some cases, departments may determine that the benefits of implementation are insufficient to outweigh cost or pose a considerable safety risk for staff or the public. In other cases, departments may identify alternative solutions that are more effective. However, each department should review the recommendations and determine the most appropriate action and time needed for implementation.
The issues addressed in this AAR should be reviewed and thoroughly examined for the appropriation of needed resources to ensure the functions of incident response, stabilization and enforcement are safe, efficient, and effective.
Operational Overview:
Starting on June 1st, a multi-media campaign was launched to increase involvement from residents in the reporting of illegal fireworks use. Building on the positive outcome realized in 2018 and 2019, large signs were again placed at key intersections throughout the city promoting the various methods of reporting illegal fireworks use. This was further publicized in a broad social media campaign, print press, and broadcast news outlets. A detailed statistical analysis is attached.
This campaign proved ongoing success in routing complaints received through the www.salinasfireworks.com website, the “Salinas Connect” application, as well as the voicemail and text tip line.
Based on the lessons learned from the previous fireworks seasons in 2020 through 2025, undercover patrols, along with marked vehicles, were deployed on the holiday to corroborate citizen tips from the Salinas Connect app, salinasfireworks.com website, voicemail, and text reports.
All members of the 2026 Fireworks Enforcement Task Force coordinated with one another via telecommunication related means, resources patrolled areas where increased activity was evident and collected evidence to support the issuance of administrative citations after the fact.
Citizen participation in reporting illegal fireworks slightly decreased as compared to last year. This increase can be attributed to multiple factors including success of our campaign, inflation across many sectors like fuel and fireworks, and the holiday falling on a Saturday. The “Salinas Connect” application served as the primary repository for all illegal fireworks reports and residents could upload pictures and video evidence to support the reports.
ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
For the period of June 1st through July 12th, the total number of Administrative Citations referred to the Office of City Attorney was 80.
Administrative fines remained unchanged from the previous year at $1,250 for the “Use, Possession, or Sale of Illegal Fireworks” and $250 for the “Noise Violation” totaling a minimum citation of $1,500.
In some cases, multiple fines were assessed where illegal activity was documented over several days. The highest single citation amount was $12,000.
Disputed citations are managed and heard in accordance with the City of Salinas Municipal Code. The Fire Prevention Division coordinates the Administrative Hearing process with the necessary parties.
Statistical Information:
Duration: June 1st – July 12th, 2026
Funding Sources
2025
2026
% Change
“Safe & Sane” retail fireworks booth application fees:
$8,226
$8,457.80
2.82%
“Safe & Sane” fireworks retail sales surcharges (7% of gross):
$52,631
$60,267
14.51%
Illegal fireworks fines collected through Administrative Citations:
$82,500
$109,714.32
41.93%
Total Estimated Revenue
$143,357
$178,439.12
24.47%
* Information as provided by wholesalers TNT and Phantom Fireworks.
Enforcement and Education Expenses
2025
2026
% Change/Difference
City Staff Overtime:
$17,605.52
$14,531
17.46% - $3,074.52
Drone Equipment:
$0.00
$0.00
0% - $0.00
Video Equipment:
$0.00
$0.00
0% - $0.00
Outside Services:
$15,360
$17,185.73
11.88% - $1,825.73
Vehicle Rental:
$1,386
$0.00
100% - $1,386
Sign Printing:
$3,277.50
$0.00
100% - $3,277.50
Total Expenses:
$37,629.02
$31,716.73
15.71% - $5,912.29
FIREWORKS SALES AND SURCHARGE
Group Name (15)
Net Sales
Retail Sales
7% Surcharge
Alisal High School Booster Club
$26,258.05
$52,516.10
$3,676.13
Everett Alvarez HS Athletic Boosters
$32,274.73
$64,549.46
$4,518.46
Loma Vista School
$16,709.09
$33,418.18
$2,339.27
Los Padres School
$11,789.85
$23,579.70
$1,650.58
Victory Outreach
$9,971.83
$19,943.66
$1,396.06
Sherwood Elementary School
$13,601.19
$27,202.38
$1,904.17
Salinas Salad Bowl Bobby Sox
$26,193.63
$52,387.26
$3,667.11
Salinas HS Athletic Booster Club
$24,991.30
$49,982.60
$3,498.78
North Salinas HS Athletic Booster Club
$33,166.48
$66,332.96
$4,643.31
Palma High School
$40,787.51
$81,575.02
$5,710.25
Rancho San Juan HS Trailblazer Booster Club
$25,301.83
$50,603.66
$3,542.26
Sacred Heart School
$25,773.00
$51,546.00
$3,608.22
Salinas City STEAM Academy
$24,517.39
$49,034.78
$3,432.43
Salinas American Little League
$29,095.56
$58,191.12
$4,073.38
831 PawdyGuard Rescue
$14,724.23
$29,448.46
$2,061.39
TOTALS
$355,155.67
$710,311.34
$49,721.79
Group Name (3)
Net Sales
Retail Sales
7% Surcharge
Family and Faith Ministries of California
$30,515.84
$61,031.68
$4,272.22
LULAC Salinas Council #2055
$17,796.71
$35,593.42
$2,491.54
Mount Toro Parent Booster Club
$27,010.34
$54,020.68
$3,781.45
TOTALS
$75,322.89
$150,645.78
$10,545.20
Salinas Fire Department Operations
June 1st, 2026, through July 4th, SFD responded to a total of 1,664 emergency incidents. A breakdown of the fire incidents with previous years’ data is provided as follows:
2024
2025
2026
Structure Fires:
13 6
10 Vegetation Fires:
61 48
30 Misc. Fire (Dumpsters, etc.):
60 58
84 Totals:
134
112
124
For the 4th of July holiday period, SFD’s staffing consisted of 16 Fire Suppression members, 6 Fire Prevention, 10 SFD Drone Pilots, and additional city staff responded to increased calls for service and patrol the target threat areas.
The Salinas Police Department provided 4 patrol units with 2 officers in each vehicle. 12 additional city employees assisted with illegal fireworks patrols. Those departments included: Community Development, City Clerk’s Office, Library Services, Information Systems, and Public Works.
Salinas Fire responded to numerous calls for service on 4th of July to include 10 structure fires, 30 vegetation fires, and numerous other calls.
STRENGTHSSTRENGTHS
STRENGTHS
STRENGTHS
Adequate funding from existing fees, surcharges, and fines.
Participation from the City employees alleviated the excessive burden of limited SFD and SPD resources.
Comprehensive media coverage including ad campaigns on all platforms such as television, radio, social media, and signs.
Citizen-based tips from the “neighborhood approach” using Salinas Connect and fireworks hotline.
Undercover operations to “observe and report” led to Administrative Citations with better evidentiary documentation.
Integration of the Salinas Connect reporting platform provided detailed information for follow-up.
Additional signage was placed at high visibility areas and intersections of the city.
Advance warnings sent to addresses where illegal fireworks were reported last year helped to deter activity in certain areas.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENTAREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT
Collection and sorting data from various sources of intelligence remains a manual process and is labor intensive.
Manual review of video evidence is also time consuming and delays issuance of Administrative Citations and pulls staff from normal job functions.
Means of collecting accurate evidence.
More real time integration between tips and enforcement, starting in June.
RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Increase utilization of Drone Teams (SPD and SFD) on future July 4th Holidays.
Continue to utilize additional city employees, willing to observe, report and collect evidence.
Increase sharing of regional resources to target illegal fireworks sales.
Increase publicity of undercover activity and citation statistics in traditional and social media.
Continue attempts to engage neighborhood groups and citizens in “observe and report” roles.
Work with community groups to establish a community-based organized fireworks display to discourage “at-home” use of illegal fireworks.
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPSCONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS
Continued collaborative efforts in this year’s campaign proved to be a positive influence toward curbing illegal fireworks use in the City of Salinas. 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 several years but marked decreases in activity were noted this year.
The improvement in the quality of citizen reports is a positive indicator of the success of these efforts. The increase in citations with actionable evidence is another product of better collaboration between City departments in a coordinated fashion.
Future years’ plans will build on these successes. The 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.
IMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIXIMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIX
IMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIX
IMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIX
IMPROVEMENT PLANNING MATRIX
Area of Improvement
Improvement Action
Responsible Party/Areas
Targeted
Completion Date
Status
1) Neighborhood Involvement
Solicit more participation in outreach and
volunteer patrol
Council/Community Safety Div.
4/2026
Ongoing
2) Limited Patrol Staffing
Increase staffing where possible
SFD/SPD
7/2028
Ongoing
3) Integration with “Salinas Connect”
Further refine automated responses and reports
Administration Div./SFD Prevention Div.
5/2019
100%
complete
4) Data Collection and Sorting
Staff collaboration to merge data sources
Administrative Div./SFD Prevention
6/2019
100%
complete
5) Multi-Unit
Dwelling Enforcement
Identify better methods for citations of individuals
SFD/City Attorney/ SPD/SCE/ Council FW Subcommittee
1/2028
Ongoing
6) Limited Administrative Support
Identify existing staff resources to assist
SFD/Administrative Div./FW Sub- Committee/ SCE/ City Attorney 10/2028
In-process
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