Riverside County issues more fireworks fines this year than in 2023

Riverside County’s continued efforts to curb illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July resulted in 278 citations issued in 2024 compared with 233 last year.

The Code Enforcement Department issued 88 citations countywide. Sheriff’s deputies issued 190 citations.

Last year Code Enforcement issued 46 citations, and the sheriff’s department issued 187.

This year code enforcement officers cited property owners if a fireworks “violation was witnessed, regardless of contact with property owners,” according to a county statement.

During the week of July 1-7, the sheriff’s department received 2,538 reports of illegal fireworks, compared with 3,209 reports received in 2023. Authorities seized more than 400 pounds of fireworks and made 10 arrests this year.

“The dedication of our enforcement teams and the cooperation from our residents have been instrumental in addressing the danger posed by illegal fireworks,” Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chair Chuck Washington said in a statement. “Our community’s safety is our top priority, and we see the results this year as we continue to work diligently to protect our neighborhoods from the hazards of illegal fireworks.”

The Riverside County Fire Department reported a decrease in reported fires during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The department received over 730 calls for service, with 102 being fire-related. Fire officials issued six citations for illegal use or possession of dangerous fireworks, unlawful off-road use and unlawful burning, the county reported.

In 2023, fire department received just over 680 calls for service, with 186 for fires. Fire officials issued and 23 citations.

“Every year, we see the impact that illegal fireworks can have on our community, from fires to injuries,” Fire Chief Bill Weiser said in a statement. “This year, thanks to our enhanced enforcement and public education efforts, we’ve been able to reduce these risks. The safety of Riverside County residents is always our top priority, and this year’s results reflect our commitment to protecting our neighborhoods from the dangers posed by illegal fireworks.”

County law requires fines for illegally storing, transporting or setting off fireworks that can range from $1,000 to $5,000, anyone who starts a brush fire with illegal fireworks can be held liable for suppression costs.

The county’s annual “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” media campaign highlights the dangers of illegal fireworks and the damage done to individuals, animals and property.

The outreach effort that began in June aired across digital billboards, community newspapers, radio broadcasts, streaming audio, social networks and online ads in English and Spanish. Officials said the campaign reached millions of county residents and delivered 18.5 million impressions across traditional and digital media outlets.

In all unincorporated areas and most cities in Riverside County, it is illegal for private gatherings to use fireworks, but so-called “safe and sane” fireworks can be sold to the public in Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio.

Despite the potential fines in Riverside County and elsewhere, individuals set off fireworks in large numbers throughout the Southland every Fourth of July.