Press Release from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department - Independence Day Reminder
Published on Jul 1, 2019 13:03

LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Lake Elsinore Station, serving the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and the unincorporated county areas, want to wish everyone a very safe and happy Independence Day. We would like to remind everyone in our communities it is illegal to possess, discharge, or sell fireworks. All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. California Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks are also illegal in all unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Every year fireworks cause major damage and tragedies. Fireworks can also cause serious injuries to people, pets, and livestock. Do not let your holiday be ruined by a senseless tragedy.

During the week of the Fourth of July, the Riverside County Sherriff’s Department and CAL FIRE will have additional patrol personnel throughout our communities and will be enforcing a ZERO-TOLERANCE policy for any person caught with fireworks. Violators of Firework Laws will be prosecuted and are subject to: confiscation of fireworks, arrest, citation, and/or fines. A combination of fines for the use of illegal fireworks can cost up to $3,500.

Riverside County has a very diverse terrain with dry vegetation where fireworks can easily start a vegetation fire. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run up to millions of dollars. Anyone observing the illegal use of fireworks are urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department immediately by calling dispatch at 951-776-1099. For all immediate threats to life or property, please dial 9-1-1.

It’s very important to know that celebratory gunfire is not only unsafe, it is against the law. Discharging a firearm into the air is a crime and can lead to criminal charges under California state law. Bullets shot into the air can climb up two miles and as you know, “what goes up must come down.” When a bullet falls, it travels at a high rate of speed and can kill or seriously injure people.

Several local venues will be holding firework shows this year. Please visit your city or chamber of commerce websites for locations.