Public safety officials throughout the city of Riverside stayed busy in the days leading up to the Fourth of July, writing almost 100 citations for illegal fireworks and seizing over 50 pounds of pyrotechnics, according to figures published by the police department.
The agency said extra patrols, coordination between the police and fire departments, as well as the Department of Code Enforcement, plus the deployment of remote-controlled drones, enabled authorities to take swift action from June 27 to July 4, whenever potential illegal fireworks activity was reported or uncovered.
“Drone technology has become an important public safety tool in addressing illegal fireworks,” Riverside Police Department Chief Larry Gonzalez said. “It allows our officers to safely identify violations, gather evidence and hold individuals accountable, while reducing unnecessary risks to police officers, firefighters and the community.”
Authorities confirmed that during the June 27-July 4 period, 79 citations were issued for alleged fireworks violations, including igniting, possessing and transporting the devices. That compared to 65 citations over the same period last year.
Convictions stemming from the citations can result in fines up to $1,500.
The police department said 51 pounds of illicit fireworks were also seized.
On the plus side, there were fewer complaints to the city’s call center regarding fireworks activity citywide — 452 this year, compared to 547 at the same time in 2025.
On July 4, five designated “enforcement teams” were positioned in areas of the city where illicit pyrotechnics have been a problem in the past.
Relying largely on drones, “teams collected video evidence to pinpoint the property of origin,” according to a police statement.
” Before issuing a citation, each case was carefully verified by the unmanned aerial systems operator, visual observer, code enforcement officer and often additional police and fire personnel,” the agency stated.
There were at least two licensed fireworks spectaculars in the city on July 4.
In Riverside County, private parties are prohibited from using fireworks except in Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, where so- called “safe and sane” fireworks, certified by the state fire marshal, can be sold to the public.
“Every firework, especially illegal fireworks, has the potential to cause life changing injuries, ignite destructive fires and put families, homes, businesses and first responders at risk,” Riverside Fire Department Chief Steve McKinster said. “By making responsible choices, we can protect lives, safeguard property and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable summer.”