County Maintains Strong Enforcement Against Illegal Fireworks in Fourth Year

The County of Riverside's commitment to curbing illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday continued this year, marking the fourth year of the County’s multi-departmental team working together to reduce illegal fireworks.

During the week of July 1, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office received a total of 2,538 calls and online reports, compared to 3,209 reports received last year. More than 400 pounds of fireworks were confiscated, and 10 arrests were made.

This year, a total of 88 citations were issued countywide by the County’s Code Enforcement department, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Department, who issued 190 citations. Last year, 46 citations were issued by Code Enforcement and 187 were issued by the Sheriff’s Department. This year, code enforcement officers cited property owners if a violation was witnessed, regardless of contact with property owners.

“The dedication of our enforcement teams and the cooperation from our residents have been instrumental in addressing the danger posed by illegal fireworks,” said Chair Chuck Washington, Third District Supervisor. “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 fires during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The department received more than 730 calls for service, with 102 of those being fire related, resulting in the department issuing six citations for illegal use or possession of dangerous fireworks, unlawful off-road use, and unlawful burning. In comparison to 2023, Riverside County Fire Department received just over 680 calls for service, with 186 of those being fires, and 23 citations issued.

"Every year, we see the impact that illegal fireworks can have on our community, from fires to injuries,” said Fire Chief Bill Weiser. “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."

The county’s annual “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” campaign highlights the harmful nature of illegal fireworks on individuals, animals, and property. The educational effort aired across multiple media channels, including digital billboards, community newspapers, radio broadcasts, streaming audio, social networks, and online display ads in both English and Spanish. The campaign successfully delivered 18.5 million impressions across traditional and digital media channels reaching millions of Riverside County residents.

The County of Riverside remains committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents. By combining enforcement, education, and community engagement, neighborhoods are being protected from the dangers of illegal fireworks.

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