Rivco Set to Crack Down on Illegal Fireworks
With sizzling temperatures increasing the chance of wildfires, county officials are reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal in Riverside County, even on the Fourth of July.
The county fire and sheriff's departments will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks. First-time violators face a $100 fine and previous offenders can be fined up to $1,000 and spend time in jail. Law enforcement officials will confiscate all fireworks found in Riverside County, including sparklers. Anyone who causes a fire by using illegal fireworks will be financially responsible for the costs of fighting the fire.
"I want all Riverside County residents to have a safe Fourth of July, free from injuries," said county Fire Chief John R. Hawkins. "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county."
For a list of show locations and times, or for more information on firework safety, please visit our website at www.rvcfire.org. To view the July 2 news conference on this subject, go here -> http://www.clerkoftheboard.co.riverside.ca.us/fireworks08.wmv.
While the cities of Blythe, Indio, Coachella and Cathedral City allow the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks approved by the state fire marshal, it is illegal to transport, sell, posses, store and set off any "safe and sane" fireworks outside those city limits.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department, in cooperation with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, has designated two phone numbers for reporting illegal fireworks use in non-emergency situations: 951-776-1099 and 1-800-950-2444.
Riverside County had 68 fireworks-related fires in 2006. The number of such fires in the county dropped to 23 in 2007 due to the aggressive zero-tolerance stand taken by the fire and sheriff's departments.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks use in the United States led
to 11 deaths during 2007 and sent about 9,800 people to hospital emergency rooms. More than half
the injuries were burns and most injuries involved the hands, eyes and legs. About 6,300
fireworks-related injuries were treated between June 22 and July 22, 2007, according to the
commission.