Riverside authorities are taking to the skies in a bold new initiative to combat the rampant use of illegal fireworks that light up Southern California every Fourth of July. Amid growing concerns over public safety, the Riverside Police Department has deployed drones to monitor and crack down on those igniting dangerous explosives, a tactic aimed at preventing injuries and potential fires in the community.

This high-tech operation involves a dedicated team of three piloting drones equipped with recording capabilities, allowing them to catch offenders in the act. With five teams strategically positioned across the city, the drones will scour the skies, focusing on areas with the highest volume of complaints. “We want to prevent those explosions from happening,” a spokesperson emphasized, highlighting the urgency of their mission.

Last year, a fire ignited by a group of teenagers playing with fireworks devastated 25 homes, underscoring the critical need for immediate action. As the drones send live feeds back to code enforcement officers, they can quickly pinpoint the source of illegal fireworks, often before the offenders can hide or flee. Offenders will receive citations in the mail, with fines starting at a staggering $1,500.

This is the first year Riverside has implemented drone surveillance to tackle the fireworks menace, and officials are optimistic about its effectiveness. “It will allow us to cover a large amount of area in a quick amount of time,” a police representative stated. As the Fourth of July approaches, Riverside is determined to ensure a safe celebration for all, making it clear that fireworks of any kind are illegal within city limits. The message is loud and clear: illegal fireworks will not be tolerated, and those who defy the law will face swift consequences.