Investigation by San Bernardino County Fire Investigators and Fire Prevention Officers on random days during the months of June and July resulted in confiscation of 7,750 pounds of illegal, dangerous fireworks, and two felony arrests have been made.
The two felony arrests occurred at the Yermo Agricultural Inspection Station on southbound I-15, where investigators confiscated 3,950 pounds of illegal fireworks from a U-Haul box van.
The interdiction task force also confiscated fireworks from a number of violators. Twenty-two administrative citations for possession of small amounts of fireworks were issued in these cases, carrying a fine of $1,250 each. State Agricultural Inspectors were extremely helpful in identifying vehicles containing possible illegal fireworks.
All confiscated fireworks are taken to the Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Range, where they are turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for final disposition.
Under California law, all fireworks that explode, shoot into the air, or move along the ground are considered dangerous and are illegal to possess without a permit. That includes firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles, mortars and “chasers” that dart along the ground, and safe and sane fireworks that have been modified.
In the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, possession of any type of fireworks, including the “Safe and Sane” fireworks allowed in some County communities, is illegal. Fireworks will be confiscated and citations will be issued. In the event a fire occurs due to the unsafe use of fireworks, individuals may be criminally charged and be responsible for restitution.
