Report: More fines for illegal fireworks this year than last
The number of citations issued by Riverside County authorities for illegal use, storage and transportation of fireworks during the Fourth of July period this year increased by nearly 20% compared to last year, announced Thursday.
The Executive Office said the total number of tickets issued by the Building Department and Sheriff’s Department for the period from late June through the Fourth of July weekend totaled 278. This compares to 233 tickets issued during the same period last summer.
More than 400 pounds of pyrotechnics were seized and 10 people were arrested on suspected misdemeanors, officials said.
“Every year we see the impact that illegal fireworks can have on our community, from fires to injuries,” said county Fire Chief Bill Weiser. “This year, we were able to reduce those risks thanks to our increased enforcement and education efforts. The safety of Riverside County residents is always our top priority, and this year’s results reflect our commitment to protecting our communities from the dangers of illegal fireworks.”
The county’s “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” campaign began in June. It highlights the dangers of lighting fireworks and the potential penalties and provides web portals and phone numbers for county residents to report suspected illegal activity.
According to official figures, there were 2,538 reports this year, compared to 3,209 last year.
All unincorporated communities and most municipalities in the county prohibit the use of fireworks at private parties. However, they are permitted in Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, where so-called “safe and sane” fireworks certified by the state fire marshal may be sold to the public.
The devices are mostly pyrotechnics that neither explode nor fly, including sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, firecrackers and percussion caps.
Under County Ordinance 858, which was amended by the Board of Supervisors in response to a fire outbreak in 2020, fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 can be imposed for illegally storing, transporting or setting off fireworks.
Anyone who starts a bush fire through the unauthorized use of fireworks can be held liable for all extinguishing costs.
Despite the potential penalties imposed by counties and cities, large quantities of fireworks are routinely set off each Fourth of July in towns and cities across the county.
