Don’t blow it this 4th of July; fireworks are illegal in City limits

This Fourth of July, the Redlands Fire Department and the City of Redlands encourage residents to celebrate the nation’s Independence Day with others at the fireworks show at Moore Middle School or one of the other official fireworks displays offered throughout the region.

All other fireworks – including so-called “safe and sane” fireworks – are 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 can do so using the Fire Department’s Online Tip Form at https://arcg.is/159jvS0 or call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681, ext. 1. Online reports can be made anonymously. Please do not call 911 to report illegal fireworks except in case of an emergency. Residents should provide as much detail as possible, including exact addresses when possible.

The City of Redlands Fourth of July celebration includes activities in Sylvan Park beginning at 9 a.m., with live entertainment throughout the day. The Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:30 a.m.

The celebration will continue at Moore Middle School. Gates will open at 5:15 p.m. with live entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. The fireworks show begins at approximately 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children under 3 years old are free. Tickets are currently available at the Redlands City Clerk’s Office, 35 Cajon St., Suite 4 and Gerrards Market, 705 W. Cypress Ave. For more information or to buy tickets online, visit https://redlandsfourthofjuly.com/.