San Luis Obispo County residents can receive cash rewards for reporting illegal fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office announced a partnership with SLO County Crime Stoppers to target the possession, sale, and use of illegal fireworks throughout the county.
Under the initiative, residents can earn up to $500 for providing information that leads to the identification and arrest of individuals selling illegal fireworks. The sheriff's office stated that illegal fireworks pose a significant risk to public safety, potentially causing fires, injuries, property damage, and distress to sensitive individuals and animals.
This crackdown follows an incident last year where illegal fireworks reportedly sparked a fire that destroyed the historic Templeton Feed & Grain store. Prosecutors subsequently charged an adult male and a minor in connection with the event, alleging they purchased the fireworks out of county. In a separate incident in July 2025, a large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County killed seven workers and ignited a wildfire. Authorities indicated that large quantities of unregulated fireworks were stockpiled at that site.
Residents with information regarding the possession or sale of illegal fireworks are encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 805-549-7867. To report the active use of illegal fireworks, individuals can call 805-781-1933.