To prevent wildfires and injuries resulting from Fourth of July celebrations, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors is continuing the “If You Light it, We’ll Write it” illegal fireworks enforcement activity and education campaign.
Enforcement activity targets the sale, transportation, and use of illegal fireworks – with fines ranging up to $5,000. In recent years, the increasing number of displays of dangerously illegal fireworks and explosives prompted calls countywide to stop this dangerous activity.
The public education portion of this campaign was launched on June 12 and will run through the Fourth of July holiday. The campaign focuses on delivering critical messages to the public through multiple mediums, including road signs, social media graphics, and public service announcements.
Key county departments in this effort, include the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire Department, Code Enforcement, Department of Animal Services, Veterans Services, and Riverside University Health System.
“It’s critical that everyone understands that illegal fireworks are just that – illegal,” Board Chair Kevin Jeffries said. “These fireworks have serious costs to homes, hillsides, and pets. Now there are also serious costs to the individuals transporting or setting them off.”
By local ordinance, California-approved “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted within the city limits of Indio, Coachella, Blythe, and Desert Hot Springs.
Residents can report illegal fireworks by downloading the Riverside County Sheriff’s app or by calling 800-950-2444.
For a list of Riverside County fireworks shows, click here.
