Banning, Beaumont Officials Aim To Keep Illegal Fireworks At Bay

SAN GORGONIO PASS AREA, CA — Warning that igniting fireworks is illegal and can lead to threats to life and property, Riverside County officials Tuesday urged the public to enjoy city-sponsored shows instead of illegally setting off pyrotechnics on their own.

"The last 4th of July festival in Beaumont was held in 2019," a city spokesperson said. "Public health orders and COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of the 2020 4th of July Freedom Festival and a modified event with only a fireworks display was held in 2021."

In Banning and Beaumont, fireworks displays are planned to delight residents.

In Banning:

JULY 4: 4th Of July Swim, Family Fun Fest & Fireworks. Day also includes inflatables, music, food & craft vendors.
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In Beaumont:

JULY 4: 4th Of July Freedom Festival & Fireworks. Free admission to event with food trucks, beer garden, music concert & fireworks display.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco explained that all fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in our county.

"All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often cause fires," Bianco said. "Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is parched and fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into the millions of dollars."

Read more at the State Fire Marshal website.

For more information on how to report fireworks and what to do if you come across and an explosive device, read the Explosives and Fireworks guide prepared by the sheriff's department.

The Sheriff's Department fireworks report form will be available five days prior and one day after July 4.

For all emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency dispatch, dial 800-950-2444. Communication centers operate 24/7. All 911 and non-emergency numbers support TTY communications.

In 2020, all Riverside County cities canceled fireworks shows amid the coronavirus public health lockdowns.

In Riverside County, private parties are prohibited from using fireworks except in Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, where so-called "safe and sane" fireworks, certified by the state fire marshal, can be sold to the public.

The devices are mostly pyrotechnics that don't explode or fly, including sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, snappers and caps. Municipalities can authorize fireworks demonstrations, and the county grants permit for shows in unincorporated communities.

Under county Ordinance 858, amended by the Board of Supervisors last year in response to an outbreak of blazes in 2020, fines for illegally storing, transporting, or setting off fireworks can range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Anyone who triggers a brush fire due to the illegal use of fireworks can be held responsible for all suppression costs. Under the revised ordinance, property owners also face liability.