Those who supply, purchase and play with illegal fireworks in Riverside County this Fourth of July weekend may be subject to fines and criminal penalties under the county’s annual “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” campaign, authorities advised Wednesday.
The message refers to citations violators may face if caught breaking Ordinance No. 858.
Now and through next week, county Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department and Department of Code Enforcement personnel, in partnership with law enforcement officers from multiple municipal agencies, will be actively pursuing individuals who disregard prohibitions on igniting pyrotechnics without a permit.
“Our nation’s 250th birthday is a special time to celebrate our country and each other,” County Supervisor Karen Spiegel said. “Let’s do it safely. Illegal fireworks can cause serious injuries and destroy communities. We can all do our part to keep our neighborhoods safe by avoiding illegal fireworks.”
During last year’s enforcement effort, nearly 150 citations were issued by county agencies, though no one was arrested for possession or distribution of pyrotechnics. In 2024, roughly 400 citations were written, and 10 people were taken into custody for alleged violations. A whopping 2,200 pounds of illegal fireworks were seized around the July 4 holiday in 2025, compared to just over 400 pounds in 2024, officials said.
A total 663 calls or complaints regarding fireworks or fires connected to them were fielded by agencies last summer, dropping from 2,538 at the same time in 2024, according to officials.
In April 2021, the county Office of County Counsel, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire, drafted amendments to Ordinance No. 858 that augmented civil penalties, ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. The amount depends on the number of violations within a 36-month period. The previous fines were between $500 and $1,000.
The revisions also created liabilities for property owners who knowingly permit someone to light illegal fireworks.
The final provision of the revised ordinance granted the fire chief authority to designate specific locations in unincorporated areas where so-called “safe and sane” fireworks can be sold and ignited by residents. In Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, the devices — such as sparklers, fountains and snappers — are permitted.
“It only takes one spark to change someone’s Fourth of July forever,” county Fire Chief Robert Fish said. “One firework can ignite dry vegetation, threaten homes and endanger lives. This holiday, every one of us can help prevent the next wildfire by … leaving fireworks to the professionals.”
People can report illegal fireworks via the sheriff’s non-emergency enforcement line, 1-800-950-2444, or at the web portal riversidesheriff.org/555/fireworks.