County to fight illegal fireworks

Riverside County is pulling out all of the stops to prevent illegal fireworks during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

Under “If You Light It, We’ll Write It,” fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 will be levied, depending on how many violations a person has received during the past three years, according to a statement on the county’s website.

County officials will use public service announcements, billboards, road signs, vehicle clings and social media messaging to combat the sale, transportation, and use of illegal fireworks. Departments participating in the new program include the Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Code Enforcement, Animal Services, Riverside University Health System, and Veterans Services.

The effort comes one year after the county was overrun by illegal fireworks.

“This multi-agency effort provides the public with a clear message, ‘If You Light it, We’ll Write It,’” said First District. Supervisor Kevin Jeffries in the statement. “Sheriffs deputies, fire peace officers, and code enforcement will write citations for those using illegal fireworks.”