San Bernardino County Fire Prevention Officers will use a new tool to combat illegal fireworks—contact-free citations. Rather than chasing down people using illegal pyrotechnics, fire investigators will use geographic information systems (GIS) data to pinpoint the exact location of the violation. Fire investigators will take photographs and collect other evidence before remotely issuing the property owner an administrative citation that carries a fine of up to $1,250. The citations usually arrive about a week to two weeks after being issued. Landlords may want to remind their tenants not to use illegal fireworks since the citation will be issued to the owner of record, not the tenant.
“Property owners are responsible for what occurs on their property,” Deputy Fire Marshal Adam Panos said.
Property owners will also be given the opportunity to appeal citations.
Fire Marshal Mike Horton said County Fire will utilize contact-free citations in all the communities it serves. In addition to all unincorporated areas, County Fire locally serves the Town of Yucca Valley and the City of Twentynine Palms.
Fire investigators will also directly issue $1,250 administrative citations to those caught using illegal fireworks at parks, in the street, or in other public places.
