Countywide Crackdown on Illegal Pyrotechnics Begins

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - The annual campaign to crack down on suppliers,
distributors and purchasers of illegal fireworks in Riverside County got
underway today, 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.
  

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