Riverside officials are trying to quell fireworks use before Fourth of July, increasing the fine by $500 for those who violate the law.
The Riverside City Council last week approved the increased penalty. It will now cost those who violate the law $1,500. The increased fine will go into effect in June, however the exact date is not yet known, Fire Capt. Ray Mendoza said via email this week. Fireworks are illegal in Riverside, including any handling of them.
“The city’s main goal is to educate that all fireworks are illegal within the city of Riverside,” Mendoza said. “Make every effort to prevent fires or injuries related to fireworks. And lastly if needed, enforcement to those who choose to ignore our warnings.”
The fine increase was approved on a 6-1 vote. Councilmember Chuck Conder opposed.
The city, Riverside Fire Department, Riverside Police Department, and the Code Enforcement officers have been working on firework education and enforcement campaigns. Social media campaigns, news releases and flyers to inform residents about fireworks have been part of the process, according to a city report.
During the Fourth of July season, enforcement teams from the fire department, police department, and code enforcement officers, will patrol the streets and issue citations to violators, Mendoza said.
In 2022, police, fire, and code enforcement personnel responded to 209 radio calls over fireworks and collected $16,698 in citations. In 2023, they responded to 279 radio calls, but collected only $2,000 in citations.
“During the May 7 report to the Riverside City Council, it was noted that 24 citations were issued, but only 2 citations had been paid in full,” city spokesperson Phil Pitchford said in an email on Wednesday, May 22, on the 2023 citations.
Unpaid citations have been referred to an external collections agency, Pitchford said.
The funds collected from the fines go back into the general fund budget, Mendoza said.
Riverside residents can call anonymously call 951-826-5311 from a cell or use the 311 mobile app to report fireworks and provide a location or address, Mendoza said.
There will be two free fireworks shows put on by the city on Fourth of July. One will be at La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Ave., and the other at Mount Rubidoux, 4706 Mt. Rubidoux St.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Councilmember Chuck Conder’s name.
