Police cracking down on illegal fireworks

With just a few days before from the Fourth of July holiday, police are cracking down on people shooting off illegal fireworks. Getting caught with any aerial fireworks anywhere in Riverside County can cost hundreds of dollars.

Cathedral City fire chief, Paul Wilson, tells KESQ News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 that “safe and sane” fireworks are legal within certain city limits.

“Safe and sane” fireworks stay on the ground, do not explode and do not go into the air. The small fireworks should not be used in large public areas and firefighters ask residents to have a water source nearby.

Fireworks & more: 4th of July events around Coachella Valley

Wilson said those found using larger fireworks will be subject to a fine and other penalties.

“Safe and sane” fireworks are legal in:

Cathedral City Indio Desert Hot Springs Coachella All fireworks are illegal and prohibited in:

Palm Springs Palm Desert Indian Wells Rancho Mirage La Quinta

Police are cracking down on people shooting off aerial fireworks.

7,500 pounds of fireworks confiscated in San Bernardino

“We will have additional personnel out that are looking for these areal fireworks or any other type of illegal fireworks that are being set off,” said Cmdr. Julio Luna with the Cathedral City Police Department.

Chuck Vasquez works the counter at a firework stand where proceeds go to support the Calgary Christian Center of Cathedral City. Vazquez said the stand can help the center make anywhere from $18,000 to $30,000.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we have done this now 14 years, every single year since Cathedral City has allowed it. So this supports us in a very large manner,” Vasquez said.

JOE GALLI IS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER @JOEGALLINEWS