Drones scout for illegal fireworks in Salinas

If you were in Salinas on the Fourth of July, you probably saw the sky light up with illegal fireworks or you at least heard them. To combat this issue, one neighborhood association had the city under aerial surveillance using drones.

The Los Olivos-Riker Neighborhood Association said the experiment was a collaboration with Monterey Drone and TNT Fireworks, a supplier of “safe and sane” state-approved fireworks.

The city has received many complaints about illegal fireworks in the past and this Fourth of July was no different.

“The neighborhood association said enough is enough with aerial fireworks, loud booms, this is an example of neighbors banning together working with an FAA Certified drone company looking at what bad guys are up to,” council member Steve McShane said.

Salinas Police were busy Saturday night with 145 calls for illegal fireworks. The footage was handed over to the fire department and the police department.