During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the outcomes of the Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, highlighting an increase in both calls for service and citations related to illegal fireworks. The fire department reported a total of 161 calls on July 4th, with 81 specifically concerning fireworks, marking a slight rise from 78 calls the previous year. Citations issued for fireworks violations also increased, with 19 citations recorded on July 4th alone.

The chief of the fire department noted that while the city did not deploy drones this year to monitor fireworks activity, plans are in place to utilize this technology in the future. The drones will be used to respond to calls and monitor areas where illegal fireworks are reported, allowing for more effective enforcement without direct confrontation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing issue of illegal fireworks, which has been a significant concern for residents.

Council members expressed their anticipation for a formal presentation on the fireworks data, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community engagement in understanding the impact of the celebrations. They also inquired about any fire-related incidents, with the chief confirming that there was one fire involving a palm tree linked to fireworks, but no injuries were reported.

The discussions underscored the city's commitment to improving safety and enforcement measures for future events, particularly as the Fourth of July approaches each year.