It can be tough to cite those igniting illegal fireworks in Orange County - but drones are now on the case

As cities across Southern California brace themselves for yet another year of illegal Fourth of July fireworks, a groundswell is going into this holiday armed with drones to hunt down violators.

Fireworks that launch into the sky or explode are illegal across the state, but that hasn't stopped many residents from sparking up dangerous explosives.

Last year, an 8-year-old girl died in a fireworks explosion in Buena Park that involved suspected illegal fireworks.

The explosive devices have been an issue for many cities, including neighboring Stanton, which launched its Fourth of July drone program last year.

Besides the chance of a house fire or a wildfire, the illegal fireworks can create irritating noise.

“One or two horses from our equestrian center had to go to the hospital,” Stanton Mayor David Shawver said. “(And) the seniors — it’s very disturbing for them.”

In Stanton, officials allow safe-and-sane fireworks but are fed up with illegal ones and handed out large fines that have sense been tapered back.

Last year, drones helped lead to 18 citations in that city.

“Last year was a really good start,” Mayor Shawver said. “Before, we had no way of issuing tickets because you had to actually see someone light the illegal firework. Now, we have a mechanism.”

In spring 2025, the city put into effect a law in which property owners are on the hook for any illegal firework activity on their land, even if they aren't present for any of it.

This year, the drones will be out again in Stanton, operated by a third-party firm, with property owners caught and cited for one to 10 illegal firework violations facing a $2,500 fine.

For the first time, Anaheim will be using its fleet of drones to help cite those setting off illegal fireworks.

The program began a week before the holiday and ends a week later.

If someone calls in to report illegal fireworks in Anaheim, a drone can be dispatched to record the trouble, said Sgt. Eric Anderson, the Police Department’s spokesperson.

“And then, based on either what is seen from the drone footage or what is seen from an officer who is responding, (a) citation could either be issued on the spot or could be issued at a later time based on any evidence,” the sergeant said.

Anaheim property owners can be fined $1,000 for the first offense, $2,000 for the second, and $3,000 for the third.

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 6:17 PM.