Santa Maria police seize illegal fireworks after complaints of non-stop explosions

Santa Maria police officers recently seized a supply of illegal fireworks from a northeast neighborhood amid a boost of booms filling North County skies.

The crackdown occurred in the 1300 block of East Cox Lane, according to police Lt. Paul Van Meel.

“Fireworks at this time of year are illegal,” Van Meel said. He added that now is not the time to light them, while also noting the dangers of doing so during fire season.

Only state-sanctioned “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 in the city of Santa Maria. Otherwise, all fireworks, including those propelled into the sky, are illegal the rest of the year.

All fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, including Orcutt, Vandenberg Village, and Los Alamos.

Police said on social media that the scofflaw was found while officers investigated a report about illegal fireworks sales in the neighborhood.

On social media in recent days Santa Maria Valley residents have complained about the non-stop explosions in the night-time skies, startling pets, veterans and others.

The frequency of fireworks ignited in Santa Maria sparked multiple complaints to Santa Maria police.

Van Meel said officers are increasing patrols in an effort to catch other illegal fireworks users.

Details were not available as to what charges, if any, will be filed in relation to the illegal fireworks.

Once any criminal case connected to the seizure has made its way through courts, the seized fireworks will be turned over to the State Fire Marshal for destruction, police said.

Santa Maria wasn’t alone in having illegal fireworks activity, with similar complaints aired in recent days by Lompoc and Los Alamos residents.