Illegal fireworks may have caused Temecula Rancho Fire

Monday, 27 June 2016 18:47

Illegal fireworks may have caused Temecula Rancho Fire

Written by Alesha Gibson

On June 26, 2016 at 2:26 p.m. there was a wild land fire near the Community Recreation Center (CRC) located at 30875 Rancho Vista Road Temecula, Ca 92592.

At 4:15 p.m. it was in the mop up stages. The Riverside County Fire Department remained on site to monitor for flare ups.

At 6:00 p.m. the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department opened up the lanes on Rancho Vista in both directions.

According to Lauren Elizabeth Turner, “I saw the fire from the 15-freeway so I decided to check it out. The Riverside County Sheriffs officer said it was caused by fireworks. The police officer stated that it was pretty much contained but they are making sure it's nice and soaked so it doesn't start back up.” According to Gena Truitt, “I was at the CRC pool and we were told to evacuate the pool because the fire was nearby.” According to Kyle Heaton, “It sounds like kids were playing with fireworks. The Riverside County Fire Department called in the Riverside Sheriff’s Department to investigate.”

*This fire is pending investigation (Riverside County Fire Department/Riverside County Sheriff’s Department).

(Pictures: Jessica Garcia, Gena Truitt, Mindy Palka Chris, and Angela Root)

Fireworks in Riverside County

ALL fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into the millions of dollars. (Riverside County Sheriffs Department website: https://www.riversidesheriff.org/fireworks/)

*If you suspect someone using illegal fireworks please call the Riverside County Sheriffs Department non-emergency line at 951-696-4357. For more information about fireworks laws and permits please refer here: http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/strucfireengineer_fireworks

Penalties

Most violations of California's fireworks laws are misdemeanors. The penalties include up to one (1) year in county jail and/or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000).

However, if you possess large quantities of dangerous fireworks, prosecutors could charge you with a California felony, punishable by up to three (3) years in the California state prison and fines as high as fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

Read 5286 times Last modified on Monday, 27 June 2016 21:02