The "If You Light it, We'll Write it" illegal fireworks campaign will continue in Riverside County this summer with the dual goal of preventing wildfires and injuries associated with Fourth of July celebrations.
"Illegal fireworks are dangerous and cause serious injuries—sometimes fatal injuries," Riverside County Fire Chief Bill Weiser said in a Riverside County news release. "The fires ignited by the ember and remains of these fireworks damage property and cause devastating wildland fires."
For those who can't imagine Independence Day without fireworks, Weiser said there are safe options.
"Across the county, great efforts are made to provide safe and enjoyable public fireworks shows," he said. "Please visit www.rvcfire.org to find a safe, professional and public fireworks show near you."
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors said there are hefty fines for those who ignore the "If You Light it, We'll Write it" illegal fireworks enforcement and education campaign this summer. In the news release, the board said that fines for using, selling and/or transporting illegal fireworks climb all the way to $5,000.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department warns of what could be an even greater cost, saying, "Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs," which run into millions of dollars potentially.
"It's critical that everyone understands that illegal fireworks are just that—illegal," Board Chair Kevin Jeffries said in the release. "These fireworks have serious costs to homes, hillsides and pets. Now there are also serious costs to the individuals transporting or setting them off."
To make these enforcement and education efforts a success will involve teamwork from several instrumental county departments, including the Sheriff's Department, County Fire Department, Code Enforcement, Department of Animal Services, Veterans Services and Riverside University Health System.
Residents will be reminded of the ban on illegal fireworks with critical messages displayed through everything from road signs to social media graphics and public-service announcements.
California allows "safe and sane" fireworks only within the city limits of Indio, Coachella, Blythe and Desert Hot Springs, the county said, so professional and public fireworks shows will be the option for many.
To report illegal fireworks, reach out through the Sheriff's Office app, website or non-emergency toll-free number, 800-950-2444. Information on how to report fireworks violations also appears on the department's website: riversidesheriff.org/555/Fireworks.