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Crime & Safety

Fireworks Including Sparklers Are Illegal Remind Safety Officials

Public safety officials issued a press release stating all fireworks including sparklers are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires.

In Riverside County, there is a "zero tolerance" policy towards citizens who possess illegal fireworks. Those caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citations, arrest and confiscation of all illegal fireworks.

The terrain is very diverse in the county. With dry vegetation, fireworks can easily start a brush fire.

Public safety officials from the county of Riverside would like to ensure all residents and visitors understand that fireworks are illegal in Riverside County; meaning that you may not sell, purchase, transport, store or use fireworks in the County of Riverside.

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The cities of Blythe, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs and Indio are the only cities which allow the sale and use of State Fire Marshal-approved "Safe and Sane" fireworks. Fireworks purchased in these cities shall not be transported, used or possessed outside of the cities in which they were purchased.

Individuals who cause a wildfire by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs and could be criminally prosecuted. These costs can run into the millions of dollars.

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 If you would like to report the use or sales of illegal fireworks within the County of Riverside please call 1-800-950-2444, or call one of the non-emergency phone numbers list at the right. You may also report the use of illegal fireworks via the following web form: Sheriff's Fireworks Report Form. This form will be available Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 5:00PM until July 8, 2012.

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