The annual campaign to crack down on suppliers, distributors and purchasers of illegal fireworks in Riverside County got underway Monday, bearing the slogan “If You Light It, We’ll Write It.”
The message refers to citations violators may face if caught breaking Ordinance No. 858.
Between now and the second week of July, 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.
“Fires ignited by illegal fireworks can quickly spread, endangering homes, lives and wildlife in our communities,” county fire Chief Bill Weiser said. “We need your help to get the word out that transporting and setting illegal explosives is not only a serious cost to your pocket, but a grave risk to public safety.”
During last year’s enforcement effort, nearly 400 citations were issued by county agencies, while 10 people were arrested on misdemeanor allegations in connection with transporting illegal fireworks. Officials said more than 400 pounds of the products were seized.
There were a total 2,538 calls or complaints countywide regarding illegal pyrotechnics, compared to roughly 3,200 during the 2023 campaign, according to the Executive Office.
Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors approved a $100,000 bilingual public awareness messaging campaign aimed at deterring use of fireworks. “If You Light It, We Will Write It” relies on changeable electronic message signs, digital billboards and broadcast messages to spread the word about potential consequences.
The city of Riverside is conducting its own crackdown, announcing last week that the police department will be deploying small unmanned aerial vehicles to document instances of illicit pyrotechnics and identify perpetrators.
“We saw first-hand last summer how fireworks can cause catastrophic property damage,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “Be smart — don’t shoot off fireworks. The risk to lives and property is real, and the consequences for getting caught just aren’t worth it.”
The mayor and other municipal officials pointed to the “Hawarden Fire” last summer as an example of the destruction that can ensue when a fireworks-induced blaze spreads. On the afternoon of July 21, three boys igniting pyrotechnics in a dry field near the intersection of Hawarden Drive and Mary Street caused a brush fire that eventually spread across 600 acres, completely destroying seven homes and damaging another six.
The teenagers were later charged in juvenile court with more than two dozen felony offenses.
The city’s penalty for a first-time conviction of illegally using fireworks is $1,500.
“This is an easy choice to make — risk severe financial impacts from shooting off fireworks, or enjoy a professional fireworks show while relaxing with your neighbors,” Councilman Sean Mill said. “I encourage all Riversiders to make the responsible decision.”
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 county 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.
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.
In the city of Riverside, reports on pyrotechnics are fielded at 951-826-5311, or crmweb.riversideca.gov.