safety
In Downey, police can now use drones to spot illegal fireworks
By Anjanette Gile at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
People light fireworks in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025. Most fireworks are illegal in the state of California. (Etienne Laurent / Getty Images)The Downey City Council voted 5-0 to allow local police to use drones to patrol neighborhoods for illegal firework activity over the upcoming Fourth ...
Key takeaway (Etienne Laurent / Getty Images)The Downey City Council voted 5-0 to allow local police to use drones to patrol neighborhoods for illegal firework activity over the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The Downey City Council's decision to deploy drones for spotting illegal fireworks reflects a broader concern about public safety in the Los Angeles area. With most fireworks banned in California, the move aims to curb the risks associated with unauthorized fireworks, which can spark wildfires, disturb neighborhoods, and cause injuries. By treating property owners, tenants, and spectators equally to those discharging illegal fireworks, the new ordinance sends a strong message about accountability. The use of drones, which can detect thermal signatures and identify suspects, will likely be closely watched by other cities in the region, where similar fireworks crackdowns are underway. As the Fourth of July approaches, residents can expect increased enforcement, not just in Downey, but potentially in other Los Angeles communities as well, where the threat of wildfires and noise disturbances is a perennial concern.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? People light fireworks in Los Angeles on July 4, 2025. Most fireworks are illegal in the state of California. (Etienne Laurent / Getty Images)The Downey City Council voted 5-0 to allow local police to use drones to patrol neighborhoods for illegal firework activity over the upcoming Fourth ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Anjanette Gile at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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