(SACRAMENTO, CA) - As Sacramento transitions from the glow of Christmas to the anticipation of New Year’s Eve, local authorities are conducting strikes against the two biggest holiday threats: impaired driving and illegal pyrotechnics.
The Numbers Behind the Drive
From December 8–14, the Sacramento Police Department (SPD), in partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety, conducted a Maximum Traffic Enforcement week focused on reducing dangerous driving behaviors through enforcement, education, and engagement with our community.
The results paint a vivid picture of the scale of the operation:
· 1,037 traffic stops were conducted in just seven days.
· 629 citations issued to curb dangerous behaviors.
"Our roadways are safer due to these efforts," the Department shared in a Facebook Post, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure every resident makes it to the New Year’s countdown.
A national urgency: With 1,038 alcohol-related deaths recorded across the U.S. last December by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the SPD is treating every stop as a potential life saved.
SPD and SFD Joint Fireworks Enforcement Facebook Post
Drones in the Sky, Data in the App
A tactical partnership is happening between the Sacramento Police and Sacramento Fire departments. On New Year's Eve, the city won't just be patrolled on the ground:
Air Operations: SPD is deploying a fleet of drones to act as "eyes in the sky," spotting illegal firework displays in real-time. This allows for rapid responses to hotspots before they escalate into neighborhood fires.
Crowdsourced Safety: The Fire Department is putting the power in the hands of the public, urging the public to use their official mobile app to report the sale or use of dangerous explosives instantly.
Sacramento Fire Department mobile app
Other Ways to Help: The public can also call in to report illegal use of fireworks; however, the Sacramento Fire Department asks the public not to report noise complaints without knowing the exact location of the fireworks being set off. Use the phone numbers listed below, and be prepared for longer than normal waiting times:
City of Sacramento: 916-808-3473 (FIRE) or Sacramento Fire Department App
Folsom: 916-355-7231, fireworks@folsom.ca.us or seeclickfix.com/folsom
Elk Grove: 916-714-5115
Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115 or the Rancho Cordova Connect App
Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500 or seeclickfix.com/citrusheights
Not sure who to call? Dial 3-1-1 to report.
Sacramento Fire Department states do not report the use of fireworks or need for police, fire or medical response on social media or Apps such as Nextdoor, WhatsApp, or Nail ‘Em. These forums are not routinely monitored by public safety agencies.
The messages from Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento Fire Department are clear: law enforcement and fire are doing their parts, but the final piece of the puzzle is the community.
Whether it's choosing a ride-share over the driver's seat or reporting a dangerous firework display, the safety of Sacramento’s streets relies on a collective effort.
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