New illegal fireworks campaign leads to citations, arrests and seizure of 3,600 pounds of explosives

July 28, 2021

Riverside County
NEWS RELEASE

New illegal fireworks campaign leads to citations, arrests and seizure of 3,600 pounds of explosives

Nearly 86% reduction in acres burned from illegal fireworks this year

Following the excessive and hazardous display of illegal fireworks in 2020, Riverside County launched an aggressive campaign to combat the dangerous display of illegal fireworks. The effort, brought forward by the board of supervisors, worked to reduce illegal fireworks in Riverside County using a multi-disciplinary team.

Earlier this year, the board of supervisors passed of a new county ordinance (858.2) prohibiting illegal fireworks. The resulting public education campaign launched the slogan “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” to remind residents of the physical and psychological dangers of illegal fireworks, while also warning of the enforcement consequences.

The education campaign included public service announcements that reached almost 400,000 people, freeway billboards, changeable message signs and hundreds of posters displayed on county vehicles.

Working side-by-side, the sheriff’s department, the fire department and code enforcement departments significantly reduced the dangerous and illegal activity. 

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department received 4,827 calls for service between July 2-4. The department issued 237 citations, conducted four undercover operations, made six arrests and seized 2,862 pounds of fireworks.

“It was certainly a collaborative effort with our county partners,” said Sheriff Chad Bianco. “The amount of calls for service in 2020 required a substantial effort this year to reduce the negative impact that industrial fireworks in neighborhoods have on people, livestock and pets.”  

Additionally, the CalFire/Riverside County Fire Department received 621 reports of fireworks activity, a reduction of 10% from 2020. The department issued six citations, made eight arrests and seized 800 pounds of fireworks. The results of these efforts was an 86% reduction of acres burned due to illegal firework activity from 2020.

Code Enforcement Officers issued 26 first-time citations for illegal fireworks during this year’s operation. The citation fine starts at $1,000 and goes up to $5,000 depending on the number of violations a person has had over three years.

“While working in concert with our public safety partners Code Enforcement was present during the seizure of several hundred pounds of illegal fireworks, as well as multiple arrests and the recovery of a firearm,” said Code Enforcement Director Bob Magee. “This joint operation helped us present a united public safety front while keeping the communities we serve safe.”

The comparison in activity year-over-year sends a clear message that this year’s operation successfully achieved the goal to reduce illegal fireworks that pose significant risk to the safety and health of Riverside County residents.

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