Fire And Law Enforcement Officials Issue Stern Fireworks Warning

Officials with Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department are reminding residents and visitors that fireworks and sparklers are illegal in nearly all areas of the county, and breaking the law can have serious repercussions.

Not only is possession and transport of fireworks and sparklers illegal, anyone who causes a wildland blaze with fireworks will be held responsible for all fire suppression costs, according to Captain Mike Smith of Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

These costs can run into the millions of dollars, he said.

If there is damage to humans or property, there could be more serious charges, including criminal, said Sgt. Joe Borja, spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. 

The sheriff’s office deputies, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department law enforcement officers and Riverside County Code Enforcement will aggressively enforce Riverside County Ordinance 858, as well as other laws pertaining to the sale, transport, manufacturing storage and use of illegal fireworks.

“We’re going to enforce all laws,” Sgt. Borja said.

Captain Smith said there is a “zero tolerance” with regard to people in possession of illegal fireworks.

“Those caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citation and/or arrest; including confiscation of all illegal fireworks,” Capt. Smith said.

“In recent weeks, firefighters have already responded to vegetation fires caused by fireworks. Fortunately, these fires were small in nature but had the potential of becoming quite large,” said Riverside County Fire Chief John R. Hawkins.

The cities of Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio are the only cities that allow the sale and use of State Fire Marshal approved fireworks. However, fireworks purchased in these cities must not be transported, used or possessed outside of the cities in which they were purchased.

Looking for a list of approved fireworks shows in the county? Visit www.rvcfire.org and follow the link to view a list of approved public fireworks shows for the July 4 holiday.