SLO County responded to hundreds of illegal fireworks calls over holiday weekend
San Luis Obispo County authorities responded to hundreds of emergency calls related to illegal fireworks over the recent Independence Day weekend — though no major fires were reported.
According to a Friday news release from the county, the SLO County Sheriff’s Office responded to 285 calls related to illegal fireworks on July 4 — just a fraction of the 1,100 total calls for service it responded to.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire responded to 26 enforcement incidents related to fireworks, 15 of which were central to the South County communities of Oceano and Nipomo, the release reported. Fire crews made 230 contacts on the holiday and responded to only two fireworks-related calls — neither of which resulted in significant fires.
The Sheriff’s Office issued 21 notices of violation of county fireworks ordinances, and later identified another 11 violations through a review of drone footage, the release said. The agency will continue to review drone footage to identify additional possible violations.
The agency submitted five criminal fireworks cases to the SLO County District Attorney’s Office, the release said.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire issued five criminal fireworks citations during its enforcement effort, the release said.
This year’s countywide enforcement effort came on the heels of a grand jury investigation that found the county previously failed to stop illegal fireworks use, despite prevention efforts, The Tribune previously reported.
This year, the Sheriff’s Office said in a separate news release that it observed fewer illegal fireworks violations compared to the 2025 holiday. The county also said this year’s "enhanced staffing and a zero-tolerance approach” across its agencies and partners resulted in a reduction in illegal fireworks activities.
Similarly, Grover Beach also reported a decline in the use of illegal fireworks this year, with only 10 citations issued on the 4th and 54 fireworks-related calls for service received, The Tribune reported on Tuesday.
Illegal fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated areas of SLO County, with fines of up to $1,000 possible, according to the county’s release.
“Illegal fireworks pose serious risks to public safety, including fires, injuries, property damage, and unnecessary strain on emergency resources,” the county said. “They can also have significant impacts on pets, livestock, veterans, and others who are sensitive to the loud noises associated with fireworks.”
.JPG)