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• All fireworks and sky lanterns are banned by SLO County ordinance. CalFire says there is zero tolerance for the use of fireworks that are not labeled “safe and sane”, and a violation results in a misdemeanor citation including a $1,000 fine.

Yet the use of illegal fireworks in Oceano and areas within the Five Cities remains out-of-control around the 4th of July, with the frequency and intensity of explosions increasing every year. It frightens residents and pets, and can be terrifying for anyone suffering from PTSD, anxiety and seizures. The misery and frustration experienced by many residents denies us the right to peaceful enjoyment of our homes. In our high-fire-danger neighborhoods, the pervasive use of fireworks and explosives and the inability of law enforcement to uphold the existing ban increases the risk of wildfire and housefires and threatens our safety, property, and environment.

Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in the U.S. in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused 5 deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries. (U.S. CPSC 2018 Annual Report: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Fireworks_Report_2018.pdf

The SLO Sheriff's Department says its deputies are assigned to Pismo and Cayucos fireworks shows on July 4, leaving minimal staff for important and emergency calls only. With little law enforcement presence, many neighborhoods become out-of-control war zones of illegal fireworks activity. 

The City of Grover Beach allows ‘safe and sane’ fireworks only on July 4th between 10am and 10pm. 

The City of Arroyo Grande allows ‘safe and sane’ fireworks only on July 4th.

The City of Pismo Beach has banned ALL fireworks, including ‘safe and sane’.

However, the Oceano Community Services District allows ‘safe and sane’ fireworks 365 DAYS PER YEAR. Oceano Sheriff Commander Manuele has stated allowing ‘safe and sane’ fireworks year-round makes it more difficult to differentiate between legal and illegal use, and thus difficult to enforce the illegal fireworks ban.

As concerned residents, we respectfully request: 

1)  ...that Oceano adopt an ordinance similar to its sister cities, restricting ‘safe and sane’ fireworks to July 4, between the hours of 10am and 10pm. 

2)  ...a dedicated law enforcement vehicle, undercover if necessary, to patrol Oceano and other 5-Cities areas July 3rd through July 5th. Additionally, existing patrols should be increased in the month prior to July 4th.

3)  ...increased illegal fireworks PR and community awareness campaigns for Oceano and other Five Cities areas.

4)  ...purchasing a drone for law and fire enforcement officials to assist in locating illegal fireworks activity (and other crimes) in Oceano and the Five Cities areas. Drones are being used in Fresno, Bakersfield, Rialto, and other California cities to combat illegal fireworks. 

5)  ...that SLO County adopt new ordinances making prosecution of illegal fireworks less cumbersome as Fresno, Bakersfield and other California cities have done.

6)  ...that the SLO County Board of Supervisors and governing bodies for all incorporated and unincorporated areas of SLO County cooperate with law-enforcement and fire departments to ensure all laws prohibiting fireworks are rigorously enforced and remain a high priority throughout the year.

We thank our government officials in advance for listening to their constituents, and for continuing to effect positive change against illegal fireworks proliferation in our communities.

Respectfully Submitted to: 

SLO County Board of Supervisors (boardofsups@co.slo.ca.us), OCSD (Oceano Community Services District) (office@oceanocsd.org), Ian Parkinson, SLO County Sheriff, (iparkinson@co.slo.ca.us), Fire Chief Lieberman, 5-Cities Fire Authority (slieberman@fivecitiesfire.org), Grover Beach City Council (councilmembers@groverbeach.org), AG Mayor Caren Ray / Arroyo Grande City Council (crayrussom@arroyogrande.org).