Following the largest wildfire in the city’s history, a new enforcement tool is launching on Riverside to crack down on illegal fireworks.
The city says it will begin deploying a small, unmanned aerial system, also known as drones, to help police, firefighters and code enforcement teams detect and document illegal fireworks violations from the air.
This new program is still fresh and made in the minds of last year’s Hawarden Fire and the city’s leaders.
The fire, which is the result of illegal fireworks, burned 500 acres in the city, destroying multiple homes and injuring at least two people.
A home destroyed by the Hardan River Fire in Riverside County, California. July 22, 2024 (KTLA)
“Last summer, we saw firsthand how fireworks can cause catastrophic property damage,” said Riverside Mayor Patricia Rock Dawson. “The risks to life and property are realistic, and the consequences of being caught are not worth it.”
Riverside comprehensively bans all fireworks at the city’s limits, including those that may be labeled “safe and sane” by other municipalities. City officials said these unmanned drones are part of a stronger stance to prevent fires, injuries and property damage, along with an increase in outreach to the community and an increase in fines of $1,500 per violation.
Multiple operators deploy drones in nearby city areas. The device is equipped with cameras that help authorities more accurately identify where illegal fireworks are occurring.
The fine will be given to the homeowners whose illegal fireworks were born, even if it wasn’t the homeowners themselves who set the fuse on fire, officials said.
On July 22, 2024, at least three homes were destroyed by the Hardan River Fire in Riverside County.
City leaders say lighting fireworks at city restrictions that are prone to fire is not worth the risks and damages to the community.
“Fireworks are dangerous to our community and cause pain for our neighbors, PTSD and pet veterans,” said Councillor Jim Perry. “The Haudang fire is the biggest example of how devastating fireworks can be, but when illegal fireworks depart in our city, all our neighbours are suffering.”
Instead of an amateur fireworks show featuring commercial firework products offering slight explosions and short bursts, the city is instead encouraging all residents to attend a free professional fireworks display at Mount Rubidoux and La Sierra Park on July 4 at 9pm
Until and possibly on the days that follow, residents will be urged to use the city’s website, the Riverside 311 app or call 951-826-5311 to report illegal fireworks. The hint may be anonymous, officials said.
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