Grover Beach police issue nine tickets for illegal fireworks on Independence Day

Authorities from the Grover Beach Police Department used drones to track down people setting off illegal fireworks.

Police Chief Jim Munro told KSBY News that nine people were caught red-handed and each was fined $1,000.

On July 4, the department increased its staffing and sent officers on patrol to look for illegal fireworks.

Munro mentioned that police have been using drone technology for three years.

He says they had drones in the air, but it was still a challenge to find those setting off the fireworks.

“We had a team of officers out to find and identify those who were shooting the illegal fireworks,” said Police Chief Munro. “We found and arrested nine people last night who were setting off and possessing illegal fireworks. It’s difficult because we actually have to catch them in the act, setting off the fireworks or in possession of them.”

According to Chief Munro, five people were charged with using illegal fireworks last year.

Finding those responsible is not easy. Achieving this requires some coordination.

“It sounds easy to just go out and issue a citation, but it’s not,” Munro said. “It requires officers both on the ground and in the air to observe the person, set off the fireworks, identify them, rush to the location, try to contact them and then issue the citation.”

Some Grover Beach residents said they heard loud explosions all around them Thursday night.

“Yeah, around 8 p.m. last night,” said Grover Beach resident Mami Nomura. “I think between 8 and 9 p.m., louder, maybe 10 p.m., I started hearing loud noises.”

“It was pretty loud most of the night,” said Grover Beach resident Kayden Crowe. “Honestly, it probably died down around 1 or 2 a.m.”

Chief Munro says there are dangerous risks associated with the use of illegal fireworks.

“We’ve seen fires break out in recent years,” Munro said. “We’ve seen people get injured by illegal fireworks, injuries to hands and limbs. And you know, it’s not just Grover Beach. It’s everywhere, so we want to try to reduce that danger, especially the fire danger, just because it’s so dry.”

Crowe says he understands why police are cracking down so harshly.

“Overall, I feel like the police are trying to do their part and prevent more fires. I understand that the summer is when most fires occur, so I can understand why they’re trying to prevent that,” Crowe said.

Grover Beach residents can report illegal fireworks by calling (805) 473-4511.