By Susan A. Neufeld
San Bernardino County – The San Bernardino County Fire Investigators confiscated thousand of pounds of dangerous and illegal fireworks. The weeks long interdiction operations, conducted by a multi-agency task force and led by San Bernardino County Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit. County Fire Investigators issued 121 citations, totaling $151,250 in fines, for possession of illegal fireworks.
“San Bernardino County has a zero-tolerance policy for bringing any and all illegal fireworks into our communities. Anyone attempting to smuggle these dangerous explosives into the county will face a minimum $1,250 fine and a misdemeanor or felony charge, with the possibility of arrest,” Fire Marshal Mike Horton said. With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildland fire season, the San Bernardino County Fire Department (SBCoFD) has increased its vigilance in enforcing state and county firework laws to protect public health and safety.
The multi-agency task force includes representatives from San Bernardino County Fire’s Office of the Fire Marshal, Chino Hills Fire Department, Loma Linda Fire Department, and Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department. Investigators also teamed up with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Arson/Bomb Squad to utilize K9’s trained to sniff out explosives. Once seized, the illegal fireworks are picked up by the State Fire Marshal’s office and are safely destroyed.
SBCoFD encourages residents to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a local show in your community. A schedule of public firework shows in San Bernardino County can be found at http://www.sbcfire.org Residents can report illegal fireworks to local authorities or to WeTip at 1-800-47-ARSON or http://WeTip.com