Officials step up efforts to snuff illegal fireworks (Daily Bulletin 07012006) Police and Firefighters are on ride along to make arrests. And the like

The Officials did a good Job, but there was still a great deal of Fireworks that got through. I live in an area that has legal Fireworks are sold close by and they are legal in the area that they are sold, trouble is that the people purchaseeing them didn't listen to the warnings that were passed on by the people representing the county. Seems that they were shooting off both illegal and legal fireworks in the neighborhoods that were not supposed to have either the legal or Illegal.

I wonder what the next July 4, will bring?

BSRanch.

Officials step up efforts to snuff illegal fireworks By Melissa Pinion-Whitt, Staff Writer

Flaming balls are among illegal fireworks confiscated by State Task Force recently. (Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino/Staff Photographer) Police and firefighters will have increased patrols, state line checkpoints and hefty fines for those using illegal fireworks this weekend. In the past month, several more cities and counties have adopted special ordinances allowing firefighters and police to pass out $1,000 fines for possession of illegal fireworks. Joining Chino and Fontana this year in the increased fines are the San Bernardino and Riverside county fire departments, as well as the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, among other agencies. "Our main purpose is not to interfere with people's patriotism and independence, but to make sure their children remain safe, they remain safe and their property remains safe," said San Bernardino County Assistant Fire Marshal Mike Horton. The new ordinance is something Chino and Fontana officials say has helped the problem. Both cities do allow the so-called Safe and Sane fireworks. Chino, in its third year of the program, cited 104 people for possessing illegal fireworks in 2004, said city spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden. Last year, 68 people received the same ticket. Officers will be out again this weekend in unmarked cars looking for people lighting off illegal fireworks or using permitted fireworks in unauthorized areas such as city parks, public property or parking lots. The Preserve housing development is also off-limits. "We would hope we wouldn't have any infractions, but we always have to be on our toes and anticipate that won't be the case," Van Der Linden said. Fontana police planned increased patrols beginning Sunday and ending Tuesday. Roughly 75 to 80 extra officers focusing solely on fireworks enforcement will be on the streets Tuesday, said Fontana police Detective Mike Dorsey. The department wrote 99 tickets as part of the $1,000 city ordinance last year, he said. "I would say obviously there's a lot more work that needs to be done," he said. "This year, we're dedicating a lot more time two days prior to the Fourth to send the message that we aren't going to tolerate illegal fireworks in Fontana." Other cities not increasing the fines will still be keeping a close eye on firework activity. "Our goal is not to punish, but if they do start a fire or they cause injuries, they're going to be going to jail," said Ontario fire Investigator Frank Huddleston. A task force of firefighters and sheriff's bomb squad personnel have manned checkpoints near the state line to catch people transporting illegal fireworks from Nevada into San Bernardino County. The group has seized 14 tons of illegal fireworks in the past 10 days and more than 90 tons so far this year, according to the California Department of Forestry. The haul includes firecrackers, Roman candles, mortar shells and large aerial fireworks. More checkpoints are scheduled. "That's going to continue through the Fourth of July at least," Horton said. Several Inland Valley cities created an amnesty program so residents in cities where fireworks are banned can voluntarily drop off their fireworks prior to the holiday, including Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga. People dropping off fireworks in Rancho Cucamonga won't be asked questions and can avoid fines and penalties before Tuesday. Pomona fire stations also will be accepting the fireworks, with no penalties, at any time. Pomona city, fire and police officials are also asking residents to turn in their illegal fireworks during today's Fireworks Collection and Information Fair, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at M & I Surplus, 2090 N. Garey Ave. Firefighters recommend fireworks be transported in a paper bag or cardboard box to avoid static electricity. Fire officials offer the following safety tips for the use of Safe and Sane fireworks in areas where they are allowed: • Use legal fireworks with an adult present. • Read and follow label instructions. • Keep a garden hose, bucket and fire extinguisher within arms reach. • Do not alter fireworks or relight "dud" fireworks. • Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials. • Use fireworks outdoors only. • Never attempt to create homemade fireworks. • Do not point, throw or mishandle fireworks. • Sparklers, though usually considered safe, are a hazard because they can easily ignite clothing. Cities allowing the sale and use of Safe and Sane fireworks: In San Bernardino County: San Bernardino, Fontana, Adelanto, Chino, Colton, Grand Terrace and Rialto. In Riverside County: Coachella, Blythe, Indio and Cathedral City. In Los Angeles County: Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte, El Monte, Industry and La Puente. Melissa Pinion-Whitt can be reached by e-mail at m_pinion-whitt@dailybulletin.com or by phone at (909) 483-9378.