While most professional Fourth of July fireworks shows have been canceled locally this year due to public health restrictions on public gatherings, the Redlands Fire Department and the City of Redlands are reminding residents that all other fireworks – including so-called “safe and sane” fireworks – are still illegal in the City of Redlands.

Fireworks are prohibited within the City limits, with fines of up to $1,000 per violation. In 2017, the City Council updated the City’s ordinance to hold property owners, guardians and tenants also liable for costs associated with public safety response to fireworks calls. Under state law it is also illegal for adults to supply fireworks to minors.

The ordinance holds property owners liable for the sale, use or discharge of fireworks on the property. Guardians may be held responsible for the cost of responding when minors violate the law. Costs may include salaries and benefits of law enforcement, firefighters or other responding personnel for the time spent handling the call; medical treatment for safety personnel injured responding to fireworks calls; costs of repair or replacement of public safety equipment; and the cost of disposal of confiscated fireworks.

More than 16,000 fires and almost 9,000 emergency room visits are associated with fireworks nationally each year, at a cost of more than $100 million. Between $15 million and $20 million in property loss occurs every year due to fireworks.

Residents who wish to report the use of illegal fireworks may call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681, ext. 1. Please do not call 911 to report illegal fireworks except in the case of an emergency. Residents should provide as much detail as possible, including exact addresses when possible.