Fire investigators seized more than 18,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in a recent countywide investigation. According to a recent County Fire press release, Investigators from San Bernardino County Fire partnered with fire departments in Chino Valley, Colton, Rancho Cucamonga, and Victorville over an 8-day period in May and June to stop dangerous and illegal fireworks from entering the county. Targeting key entry points into the county and conducting vehicle checks, the Fireworks Interdiction Taskforce successfully confiscated approximately 18,725 pounds of dangerous and illegal fireworks, issued 99 citations resulting in $111,250 in fines, and distributing hundreds of warnings. Each year on Independence day, illegal fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. They also cause deaths, blindness, and maiming injuries to children and adults. All fireworks, including so-called “safe and sane” fireworks are illegal in all unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, as well as the entire Morongo Basin, and violators could face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense with the possibility of arrest.
