The Board of Supervisors Tuesday allocated $35,000 for a plan to deter use of illegal pyrotechnics in unincorporated communities of Riverside County, with a campaign slated to get underway in less than two weeks.
The supervisors, without comment, signed off on the allotment for public service messages and other activities managed by the county Executive Office, Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, Department of Code Enforcement and other partners.
The action plan, which complements a multi-media public awareness campaign also approved by the board Tuesday, was first implemented just prior to Fourth of July celebrations in 2021. An “If You Light It, We Will Write It” campaign was initiated using changeable electronic message signs, referring to the potential for steep fines in connection with illegally igniting pyrotechnics.
Under this year’s plan, agencies are authorized to spend contingency funds to start the campaign anew. The lion’s share of the money will go to bilingual PSAs using roadside message signs, digital billboards and broadcast messages, according to the Executive Office.
In April 2021, the Office of County Counsel, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department and Cal Fire, drafted amendments to long-standing regulations codified under county Ordinance No. 858 prohibiting illegal pyrotechnics.
Under the amendments, higher civil penalties were established, 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 county fire chief authority to designate specific locations in unincorporated areas where so-called “safe and sane” fireworks can be sold and ignited. In Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, the devices — such as sparklers, fountains and snappers — are permitted.
Although the chief has discretion to issue permits authorizing sales of fireworks, cities within the county that have stand-alone fire agencies remain in control of their own regulatory processes for permitting fireworks activities and shows.
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.
Law enforcement personnel can confiscate unlicensed pyrotechnics when they’re discovered. Before the end of the month and continuing through the July 4 holiday period, the sheriff’s department, fire department and other county agencies collaborate in efforts to deter and prevent illegal use of fireworks.
In 2020, a series of illicit fireworks-related incidents occurred on or just before Independence Day that some officials attributed to “lockdown fever,” with people seeking outlets amid COVID-19 restrictions, which resulted in most public fireworks shows being canceled countywide that summer.
Multiple brush fires erupted, causing property damage but no injuries.