Over 33,000 pounds of dangerous and illegal fireworks have been confiscated through weeks of interdiction operations conducted by a multi-agency task force led by San Bernardino County Fire Department’s Fire Investigations Unit. County Fire Investigators issued 146 citations totaling $182,500 in fines for possession of illegal fireworks.
“San Bernardino County has a zero tolerance policy for bringing any and all illegal fireworks into our communities. Anyone attempting to smuggle these dangerous explosives into the county will face a minimum $1,250 fine and a misdemeanor or felony charge with the possibility of arrest,” Fire Marshal Mike Horton said.
With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildland fire season, the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD) has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and county firework laws to protect public health and safety.
The multi-agency task force includes representatives from San Bernardino County Fire’s Office of the Fire Marshal, Chino Hills Fire Department, Loma Linda Fire Department, Ontario Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, and Rialto Fire Department. Investigators also teamed up with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Squad to utilize K9s trained to sniff out explosives. Once seized, the illegal fireworks are picked up by the State Fire Marshal’s office and are safely destroyed.
Fire officials will continue to issue citations for the illegal use, possession, or storage of fireworks. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored, or used on their property.
All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California. “Safe and Sane” fireworks bare the State Fire Marshal seal on the packaging and are only allowed in the following cities: Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton, and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace, and San Bernardino. Please call the fire department in these cities for more information. All fireworks are illegal elsewhere in the county.
SBCoFD encourages residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a local show in your community. A schedule of public firework shows in San Bernardino County can be found at sbcfire.org.
Residents can report illegal fireworks to local authorities or to WeTip at 1-800-47-ARSON or WeTip.com.