Downey to consider drone enforcement for illegal fireworks violations

Downey Police demonstrate a drone outside the police station in 2023. (Downey Patriot photo)

DOWNEY – The Downey City Council will consider a new technology-driven approach to combating illegal fireworks during its meeting Tuesday night, including the use of drones to identify violators and the possibility of holding property owners responsible for unlawful fireworks activity on their property.

According to a staff report, the Downey Police Department is proposing the deployment of drones during the Independence Day holiday period to help detect, record and document illegal fireworks violations from the air.

The drones would be used to identify locations where fireworks are being discharged and gather evidence that could support the issuance of administrative citations.

City officials said illegal fireworks continue to be a persistent problem despite annual public education campaigns, increased enforcement efforts and stiff financial penalties. In 2024, the City Council raised the administrative fine for a first fireworks violation from $1,000 to $4,000 as part of a “zero tolerance” enforcement strategy.

Under the proposed program, drone operators would document the location of illegal fireworks activity and identify the property from which the fireworks were launched. Administrative citations would then be mailed to the property owner of record.

City officials said the technology could improve enforcement while reducing the need for a larger police presence on the ground.

Staff noted that several California cities, including Artesia, Brea, Stanton, Riverside, San Bernardino and Sacramento, have already used drones to assist with fireworks enforcement.

The council is also expected to discuss a possible amendment to the Downey Municipal Code that would impose stricter liability on property owners when illegal fireworks are used or found on their property. Currently, city code allows citations when property owners are found to have caused, permitted, aided, abetted or otherwise allowed unlawful fireworks activity, but proving such knowledge can be difficult.

Under a potential ordinance, property owners, tenants and other “social hosts” could be held responsible for illegal fireworks activity occurring on property under their control even if they did not personally ignite the fireworks or know they were being used.

Staff described the proposal as a “strict liability” standard designed to increase accountability and deter violations.

The proposal could include exemptions for property owners who make good-faith efforts to prohibit illegal fireworks, actively supervise gatherings and report violations to authorities. City staff are also recommending that the city explore recovering emergency response costs associated with illegal fireworks incidents, including police, fire and medical response expenses.

If the council directs staff to move forward, an ordinance could be brought back for consideration on June 23 and adopted on an urgency basis, allowing it to take effect before this year’s Fourth of July celebrations.