Public Safety Committee
November 20, 2024
2024 Fireworks Update
Fire Department
Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2023, reported over nine thousand seven hundred (9,700) injuries related to fireworks and eight (8) deaths.
To reduce illegal firework activity within the city, the Riverside Fire Department (RFD), Police Department (RPD), and Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) / Code Enforcement Division are working collaboratively on a fireworks education and enforcement campaign.
The campaign's goal is to ensure that residents understand that all fireworks are prohibited in Riverside and that a violation may result in an administrative citations as well as restitution costs for any damages that may result.
Background
Riverside Municipal Code 16.32.370 Section 5601.1.1:
The manufacturing, possession, storage, use, and handling of fireworks is prohibited.
RMC Chapter 1.18, Section 1.18.040 Penalties:
Admin Citation in the amount of $1,500 and a disposal fee set by the state.
RMC Chapter 16.32, Section 104.1.1 Citations:
Fire code official and his or her designee are authorized to issue a citation.
RMC Chapter 16.32, Section 16.32.080 Assistance from Other Agencies:
Authority to render assistance with investigation of fires/enforcement when requested to do so.
Riverside Municipal Code
The Riverside Office of Communications, Riverside Fire Department, and the Riverside Police Department provided fireworks Public Safety Announcements (PSAs), aired throughout June and July.
The electronic billboards at the Auto Mall near Adams and the 91 Freeway, and the Marketplace at Mission Inn Avenue and the 91 Freeway featured the “No Fireworks” message beginning in June.
RFD and RPD used social media outlets to identify fireworks sales activity.
The fine for illegal fireworks was increased to $1,500. RFD, RPD, and Code Enforcement partnered to enforce fireworks violations.
FIREWORKS PROGRAM ACTIONS
RFD, Code Enforcement, and RPD increased staffing from June 29 – July 4, 2024. RFD overstaffed eight (8) fire apparatus to stand by at the Mt. Rubidoux and (1) at the La Sierra fireworks shows on July 4, 2024 Fire management staff were on duty and on-call for emergencies. Three battalion chiefs were on duty for July 4, and four additional chief officers were on-call and available to respond if needed.
All 14 Fire stations are directed to maintain a visible presence during July 4 festivities to enforce RMC 16.31.100 and to educate the public on the danger associated with fireworks.
Five (5) to seven (7) Task Force groups were active nightly.
FIREWORKS PROGRAM ACTIONS
Data totals collected between June 30, 2024, and July 4, 2024:
Citations Update:
Twenty-four (24) citations sent to finance.
No citations have been sent to collections.
Two (2) citations have been paid in full.
7 have been appealed, 0 have been reduced
Total unpaid- $20,545
Response and Citation Information
Total Radio Calls
Total On-View
Total 311 Calls
Total Fireworks Seized
Total Citations Issued
Total Collected from Citations
344
99 87
1,800 Lbs.
24 $3,645
Ward 1 – 4
Ward 2 – 0
Ward 3 – 2
Ward 4 – 1
Ward 5 – 2
Ward 6 – 6
Ward 7 - 3
Citation By Ward
Fiscal Impact from Jun 30 to July 4, 2024, fireworks enforcement and event staffing totaled $72,860.
Department financial breakdown:
FISCAL IMPACT
Code Enforcement
Police Department
Fire Department
$11,255
$45,074
$16,531
The Riverside Fire Department (RFD) and the Riverside Police Department (RPD), would like to recommend enhancements to the City of Riversides efforts to enforce RMC 1.18. including the of use of sUAS technology for fireworks enforcement sUAS Technology for Fireworks Enforcement
Fireworks Enforcement:
The week leading up to and on July 4th, utilizing certified pilots to conduct flights in areas known to have high incidences of illegal fireworks. Use them to lawfully monitor and video record such activity to establish a nexus between unlawful activity and specific residences/individuals whenever possible. Generate written reports detailing our observations and work with the City Attorney’s Office (CAO)to issue administrative citations based on the observations of evidence. sUAS Technology for Fireworks Enforcement
1. Personnel Needs:
The RFD and RPD recommend assigning a drone team to each ward to maximize the impact and responsiveness to the community. Teams will consist of two officers or firefighters (one as the pilot, and 1 as the observer/safety officer). Due to the inherent risks associated with night flying operations, pilots would be required to attend a 3-day advanced course focused on night operations. Cost of the course in $30,000 and personnel cost is estimated at $121,168.00 sUAS Technology for Fireworks Enforcement
2. Equipment Needs:
Based on the number of available drones and their existing capabilities, RPD would not be able to meet the need with the current fleet. Recommend purchasing (4) DJI M30 drones to ensure effective operational teams. The (4) additional drones would cost $57,106.93 sUAS Technology for Fireworks Enforcement
The City Attorney’s Office (CAO), will amend RMC 1.18 to provide a section for:
Social Host Liability: The Ordinance will include language that is unlawful for any social host to allow by invitation or consent the use of illegal or storage of fireworks, and to hold the parent or guardians of juveniles liable when found to violate RMC 1.18.
RFD or RPD authorizes the use of sUAS (small unmanned aircraft system) to be used for fireworks enforcement.
3. Penalties: Additional each subsequent violation shall be subject to increasing administrative penalties no less than $3,000.00, but not more then $25,000, per citation.
Riverside Municipal Code Update
That the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee:
Receive update on fireworks enforcement for 2024; and
Receive proposal for the use of sUAS enforcement.
Provide funding for advanced night operations training
Provide funding for the purchase of (4) new DJI M30 Drones Amend RMC 1.18 to provide for a Social Host Liability
Forward to the City Council.
Recommendations