Santa Maria PD getting hundreds of illegal firework calls

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Officers with the Santa Maria Police Department say they are already receiving hundreds of calls a day about the use of illegal fireworks.

Lt. Mark Streker says they are receiving more calls than usual on the use of fireworks compared to this time last year.

The week before July 4th, the department will be increasing staffing to address fireworks issues.

Streker says there will be unmarked undercover cars on surveillance.

"If you are lighting fireworks, they'll pull up, and they'll write you a $1,000 ticket. It's zero tollerance," said Streker.

If you see someone lighting fireworks, the department is asking for your help.

"There is an opportunity for a neighbor to report someone laying off fireworks. We've made it easy to upload images and videos on our city's website, and testify," said Streker.

Streker says last year about 30 tickets were given on the use of illegal fireworks.