A multi-agency crackdown on illegal fireworks in Southern California’s Inland Empire resulted in more than 28,000 pounds seized and 115 citations, San Bernardino County officials said Thursday.
Investigators from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District partnered with the Chino Valley Fire District and fire departments from the cities of Colton, Rancho Cucamonga and Palm Springs.
Since May, the task force conducted “fireworks interdiction operations” that targeted entry points along major routes such as Interstate 15 from Nevada, according to the county. Investigators also patrolled the region on Independence Day.
The Fireworks Interdiction Taskforce issued 115 citations and confiscated 28,050 pounds of illegal fireworks, officials reported. Each citation carries a $1,250 fine, totaling $143,750 in penalties for violations.
In addition to the task force operations, officials noted the county’s broader effort to reduce illegal fireworks to protect residents, public safety workers and property during wildfire season.
The county Office of the Fire Marshal reactivated the Illegal Fireworks Reporter, an online form to gather and investigate complaints. The public submitted more than 760 complaints, enabling investigators to identify areas of high fireworks activity and deploy targeted patrols, officials said. Complaints in cities were forwarded to local law enforcement agencies.
“San Bernardino County Fire remains ready to protect our communities from the harm caused by illegal fireworks,” Fire Marshal Monica Ronchetti said in a statement. “We thank the dedicated taskforce members for their work and the public for helping us track and stop this dangerous activity. As wildfire conditions grow more severe each year, our focus on prevention remains stronger than ever.”
Ronchetti advised the public, “If you see something, say something. Call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-47-ARSON (1-800-472-7766) or visit WeTip.com.”
All confiscated fireworks are turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for safe disposal, officials said.
According to state law, “fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or travel along the ground are considered dangerous and are illegal without a proper permit,” county officials reported. “This includes firecrackers, mortars, roman candles, skyrockets and any modified or altered ‘safe and sane’ fireworks.”
The National Fire Protection Association reported that fireworks are the leading cause of fires in the United States on the Fourth of July. In addition to property damage and wildfires, fireworks can cause death, life-altering injuries, distress to military veterans living with PTSD and harm to household pets.
To report illegal fireworks and for fireworks safety tips, visit sbcfire.org/fireworks.
