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Fireworks Illegal in Mountain Communities (Update)

Extra Officers on Duty for Fourth of July Weekend

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, July 4, 2008

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Update — Friday 4:55 a.m.

Twin Peaks, CA — Authorities in the mountain communities have been very busy responding to each and every 911 call reporting illegal fireworks.

"We're taking these calls very seriously," Captain Tony Nicassio told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, "and individuals who have illegal fireworks will be prosecuted."

Twin Peaks Captain Tony Nicassio has announced a major law enforcement campaign this weekend to prevent fireworks from being discharged illegally in the San Bernardino Mountains. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Scanner activity has been so active with reports of illegal fireworks in almost every community on the mountain that RIMOFTHEWORLD.net has been unable to list each one individually."

US Forest Service Spokesperson John Miller and local fire officials remind individuals that "fireworks are always illegal in the San Bernardino National Forest."

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Twin Peaks, CA — Local law enforcement officials warn residents and visitors in the mountain communities that individuals who ignite fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July will be prosecuted.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department urges citizens to report illegal fireworks and are joined by the California Highway Patrol in urging residents to also report suspected drunk drivers.

Captain Tony Nicassio of the Twin Peaks Sheriff's Station told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net extra officers are being brought up from off the hill to help enforce the ban on fireworks.

"We're beefing up the patrols and urging residents to call 911 if they observe anyone setting off fireworks," Nicassio explained. "We will be working with other law enforcement agencies and various fire departments to arrest and prosecute violators. We have a zero tolerance policy."

When you call 911 to report fireworks or a drunk driver the dispatcher will ask questions on behalf of the officers responding to the call. Please provide as much information as possible so officers can quickly and safely resolve the incident.

"Fireworks are always illegal in the San Bernardino National Forest," US Forest Service spokesperson John Miller stated.

Last year, deputies and firefighters responded to numerous calls involving illegal fireworks and enforced the ban to the fullest extent of the law.

Fireworks are banned in the San Bernardino National Forest. Residents and visitors are urged to attend public fireworks displays. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Igniting fireworks to celebrate holidays, births and marriages has deep roots in Colonial America and other cultures, but fireworks can lead to serious accidents, fires and result in arrest and/or citations.

"We want everyone to celebrate the holidays safely and responsibly buy not lighting or launching fireworks."

To report illegal fireworks call 911.

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