The Fourth by the numbers: $234,000 in fines, more than 70 citations, 51 fires, more
While residents observed the Fourth of July, law enforcement personnel were busy cracking down on illegal fireworks use.
With the help of its ground units, Sky 1 aircraft and drones, the Modesto Police Department issued over 50 citations on Independence Day alone. Twenty-five citations were issued by the patrol and crime reduction team and Sky 1 issued 30 citations, public information officer Herman Sahota said in an email.
Since June 22, the department has completed 10 planned operations targeting those responsible for the possession, use and sale of illegal fireworks. Those operations have resulted in:
- 69 citations for the possession and use of illegal fireworks to date, totaling $138,000 in fines
- $96,000 in fines for eight illegal fireworks cases
- Seven bookings
- One firearm recovered
- One vehicle towed
Sahota said enforcement efforts will continue through July 11. The $234,000 in fines this year exceeds the $185,000 in fines collected the last Fourth of July season. The 77 citations issued are just below the 80 issued last year.
The Modesto Fire Department also had a busy holiday weekend. It dealt with 31 vegetation fires, six structure fires, five vehicle fires and nine trash fires, according to its Facebook page.
It responded to five potential structure fires and carried out one water rescue. The department responded to 201 calls during its 31-hour operational period.
This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 6:11 PM.
