County gets tougher on illegal fireworks

La Niña is expected to continue through 2022 and into 2023. The drought’s end is not in sight. Last week, state officials issued drastic limitations on water withdrawals from the San Joaquin watershed.

But it is the middle of June and the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches. Our annual celebrations will offer some relief and escape from the multiple pandemic surges and unending drought conditions, and their accompanying stress and distress.

But just last week, a Moreno Valley individual lost two fingers igniting fireworks.

Fireworks, the most common accessory for July 4th celebrations, are unwelcome, except in limited and permitted events. Fireworks blasting into the night sky or announcing a baby’s sex have been the cause of numerous wildfires.

Several years ago, Riverside County had so many fire emergencies on July 4th, that there were insufficient vehicles to respond, Supervisor Kevin Jeffries told his colleagues at the Riverside County Board of Supervisors’ June 7 meeting, “It was appropriate that we needed to do something more, more proactive.”

In May 2021, the board approved Ordinance 858.2 which authorized formal regulation and oversight of fireworks within the unincorporated areas. Twenty-four of the county’s 28 cities have partnered with the county.

Unless for a special permitted event, fireworks are prohibited and will be seized. The sheriff’s office has already made arrests for illegal fireworks this month.

Sheriff’s deputies, Riverside County Fire Department staff and Code Enforcement officers will work together during the five days before the Fourth of July and the day after to enforce Ordinance 858.2 (Prohibiting Fireworks). This includes undercover and sting operations, too.

The sheriff’s office, county fire and Code Enforcement are together when they say, “If you light it, we’ll write it!!”

Ten Code Enforcement officers, two per district, will work a nighttime shift. They will each accompany a deputy in a sheriff’s vehicle. These officers will be assigned between the Lake Elsinore, Jurupa, Perris, Hemet and Thermal patrol stations.

In his report to the board, Chief Operating Officer Juan Perez outlined the plan for this year’s enforcement efforts. Sheriff’s deputies will focus their efforts on areas where the most issues are reported and/or observed. This approach will focus on areas previously identified as having high fireworks activity.

Deputies will cite and release observed violators. Fireworks will be collected and properly disposed of by the sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team. Misdemeanor filings of the ordinance will be submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Last year, county enforcement officers seized more than 800 pounds of illegal and dangerous fireworks, made eight arrests and were involved in more than 68 fireworks-related incidents. On July 4th, 2021, more than 600 fire calls were made, according to County Fire Chief Bill Weiser.

Last week, the board approved spending another $100,000 for efforts to control illegal fireworks and prevent their dangerous consequences. This includes more funding for Code Enforcement staffing, an advertising campaign to educate residents on the dangers of fireworks and the penalties for violation of the ordinance, and changeable message sign rentals.

The messaging campaign will include billboards and a Public Service Announcement that will include collaboration with all stakeholders. Changeable messaging signs will be placed at strategic locations throughout the unincorporated areas with messaging on ordinance changes and penalties.

Residents may visit www.riversidesheriff.org/555/Fireworks or call the Riverside County hotline at (800) 950-2444 to report the use of illegal fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Riverside County.