Stanton implemented a new drone program to combat illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July, resulting in nearly $1 million in fines. According to Stanton City Manager Hannah Shin-Heydorn, the drones captured $929,000 worth of violations, leading to 18 citations between July 2 and July 5.
The most significant fine was a $300,000 citation for discharging 300 illegal fireworks on July 4. Each violation carried a $1,000 fine, making it the largest citation of its kind in the city.
The city introduced the drone initiative following the passage of a spring ordinance aimed at curbing illegal fireworks. Stanton officials hope the program will deter residents from using illegal fireworks in the future. “This really wasn’t about the citation amount,” Shin-Heydorn stated. “The council for many, many years has been concerned about the use of illegal fireworks.”…