IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Just as they do every year at this time, the fire departments of Riverside and San Bernardino counties are issuing warnings regarding the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Except for a few cities in both jurisdictions, fireworks – including sparklers – are illegal in both counties all of the time, with violators subject to fines, according to notices on both county websites.
Both counties encourage residents to attend fireworks shows conducted by professionals, but unfortunately not everyone gets the message, said Cindy Bachman, public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
“I wouldn’t say we make a lot of arrests [for fireworks violations] but we do make some.” Bachman said when asked about the Independence Day holiday. “We also get some people discharging a firearm and drinking too much, but not that many.”
In Riverside County, fireworks are legal in Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio. In San Bernardino County they’re permitted in Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton and Rialto along with parts of Fontana, Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.
Legal fireworks are called “safe and sane” and include the state fire marshal’s seal on the package. They’re not allowed to be transported, used or possessed outside of the city where they’re purchased.
