Sure you want to set off that illegal firework? A police drone might be watching
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Set us as preferred Shoot off an illegal firework in Southern California, and you might find a police drone hovering overhead.This is the second year that the Riverside Police Department is using drones to spot and record residents who are illegally lighting fireworks over the Independence Day weekend, a common issue throughout California.The state bans the sale, transport and use of fireworks that don’t have the “safe and sane” stamp of approval from the state fire marshall, meaning they don’t explode, launch into the air or travel erratically.
Beyond that, many cities prohibit all fireworks.That hasn’t stopped people from shooting off all manner of pyrotechnics.
This week a Buena Park man was charged with felony crimes in the death of an 8-year-old who was fatally injured when the man ignited a $400 illegal firework, sparking an explosion last year.A 24-year-old Pacoima man was hospitalized last year with burns on over 50% of his body and face after a massive cache of fireworks unexpectedly detonated in his home.
In the same community a day before Independence Day celebrations last year, a fire ignited by fireworks engulfed four homes, killed one man and left several people displaced.It’s been difficult for law enforcement to prevent illegal firework use because people stop using them the moment patrol cars or police helicopters appear.Enter the drone.In Riverside the aerial robot is operated by a police drone pilot, accompanied by a code enforcement officer, a firefighter and a police officer.
The team works together to identify and respond to illegal firework activity that’s either spotted by the drone or reported by residents, said Steven Espinosa, detective and public information officer for the police department.In 2025 there were 547 calls for service — reported between June 27 and July 4 — regard...