As July 4 approaches, Santa Maria police say they’re getting an increase in 911 calls about illegal fireworks and sounds of gunfire.
Only "Safe and Sane" fireworks are allowed in the City of Santa Maria and they can only be set off between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.
Violators can face fines of up to $1,000.
Police say they’re getting calls about fireworks being set off at all hours of the day and night.
"I recommend you listen to the call taker, the 911 operator, and be understanding and listen to what they tell you as they are taking the call because there’s pertinent information that needs to be distributed out to the patrol officers rather quickly and we want you to be patient," said Ricky Arias, Santa Maria Police Beat Coordinator.
To report illegal fireworks activity, call the city’s hotline at (805) 925-0951 ext. FIRE (3473).
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