A display of fireworks is shown by the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District during a media conference highlighting the dangers and legal consequences of illegal fireworks use ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Photo by Ornella Rossi

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - As Fourth of July celebrations approach, Rancho Cordova officials are sending a clear message: launching illegal fireworks could cost far more than a night of entertainment.

City leaders, law enforcement and fire officials gathered June 18 to outline an expanded enforcement plan aimed at reducing illegal fireworks activity ahead of Independence Day, including steeper fines, increased drone surveillance and a stronger focus on public reporting.

Under updated city regulations, residents caught using illegal fireworks in neighborhoods can face fines of $1,000 per firework and/or up to six months in jail. On school property and in parks, the penalty increases to $10,000 per firework and/or up to six months in jail.

“The main thing that we changed is instead of per incident, it’s $1,000 per illegal firework that’s launched,” said Russell Ducharme, Rancho Cordova’s neighborhood services director. “People were treating the $1,000 fine as a cost of doing business versus really taking it seriously.”

Ducharme said the change was made to deter repeat offenders and align Rancho Cordova’s enforcement efforts with neighboring jurisdictions.

The city issued 47 fireworks-related citations in 2025 and has expanded its public outreach campaign ahead of the holiday. Officials said informational mailers were sent to approximately 35,000 households, while safety messages have also been shared through social media and billboards along Highway 50.

RCPD Police Chief Shaun Hampton said enforcement efforts will be at their highest level from June 30 through July 4.

“We’ll be doing maximum enforcement throughout the city,” Hampton said. “We’ve doubled our drones that we have available this year, and also the fines have increased significantly.”

Officials said the department has doubled the number of drones available this year as part of increased enforcement efforts targeting illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Photo by Ornella Rossi

Hampton said deputies, code enforcement officers and neighborhood services staff will work together to identify and address illegal fireworks activity. He encouraged residents to report violations through the Rancho Cordova Connect app, which allows complaints to be geolocated and sent directly to officers in the field.

Residents can also report illegal fireworks by calling the Rancho Cordova Police Department’s non-emergency line at 916-362-5115. Officials asked residents not to call 911 unless there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury or significant property damage.

The increased enforcement comes as public safety officials continue to respond to fireworks-related injuries and fires throughout the region each year.

“Last year, we had a young man lose part of his hand up in the North area of Sacramento and we have fires every year,” Hampton said.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Deputy Fire Marshal Dana Freeman urged residents to purchase fireworks only from licensed nonprofit-operated Safe and Sane fireworks booths and to follow all safety regulations.

Safe and Sane fireworks are legal in Rancho Cordova only from June 28 through July 4 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Officials stressed that using them outside those dates and times makes them subject to the same penalties as illegal fireworks.

“Please do not save your fireworks to use on New Year’s, because it becomes illegal,” Freeman said.

Freeman also said improperly disposed fireworks remain one of the leading causes of residential fires during the holiday and warned residents to properly dispose of used fireworks by placing them in metal buckets and soaking them in water overnight before discarding them.

“Unfortunately, every year, we tragically lose at least one home to the bad disposal of Safe and Sane fireworks,” she said. “When people think they’re fireworks are cool enough they put them in their plastic garbage can, which is right next to their house. After several hours, that garbage can catches fire and spreads.”

Officials noted that evening winds common in the Sacramento region can quickly spread fires caused by fireworks into dry vegetation, rooftops and nearby structures.

In addition to enforcement, the city is encouraging residents to attend professional fireworks displays instead of using illegal fireworks.

Communications and Public Affairs Director, Maria Kniestedt suggested community members celebrate at Hagan Community Park, where public fireworks shows are scheduled for July 3 and July 4 as part of the city’s annual Independence Day festivities.

“We will have a fire inspector on site from the moment the public display fireworks arrive at Hagan Park, “Freeman said. "We'll be inspecting the event area and perimeter to ensure spectators remain at a safe distance, and we'll be there throughout the show and afterward to make sure everything runs safely and smoothly.”

The city said its goal is not only enforcement, but also helping residents celebrate the holiday responsibly and safely.

“We really care about our constituents within the community and want them to know that they should feel safe in their homes,” Hampton said.