City of Atascadero Encourages Safe Fourth of July Celebrations Under New Fireworks Ordinance

As the Fourth of July approaches, the City of Atascadero is reminding residents that a new ordinance has been adopted to address the use of illegal fireworks and hold property owners and tenants accountable when illegal fireworks are used on a property under their possession or control.

While illegal fireworks remain prohibited throughout the City, the ordinance creates a Social Host Accountability Program that allows the City to recover response costs and impose administrative penalties on property owners, tenants, and hosts who permit illegal fireworks activities on a property under their possession or control. The ordinance is intended to reduce the significant fire danger, injuries, property damage, and quality-of-life impacts that illegal fireworks can create for neighborhoods throughout the community.

"Most residents want to celebrate responsibly and safely," said Police Chief Dan Suttles. "This ordinance is focused on those situations where illegal fireworks create risks for neighbors, first responders, and the community as a whole. Our goal is education first, compliance second, and enforcement when necessary."

Illegal fireworks remain prohibited throughout the City of Atascadero. Under the ordinance, property owners, tenants, and individuals who host or permit gatherings where illegal fireworks are used may be held financially responsible for administrative fines and the costs associated with emergency response. The ordinance applies regardless of whether the responsible person personally ignites the fireworks.

The City encourages residents to plan ahead for holiday celebrations and to avoid purchasing, possessing, or using illegal fireworks. Additional information, including frequently asked questions and reporting information, will be available through the Police Department's City website page and on the Police Department Facebook channel as part of an ongoing public education campaign leading up to Independence Day.

Residents who wish to report illegal fireworks may contact Atascadero Police Dispatch through the non-emergency line (805-461-5051). Emergencies involving active fires, injuries, or immediate threats to life or property should be reported by calling 911.