During a recent government meeting, Curtis Markleff, Assistant Fire Marshal of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, provided an update on the county's fireworks enforcement operations conducted over the July 4th holiday. The initiative aimed to address the illegal use and sale of fireworks, which poses significant fire hazards.

Markleff reported that the county implemented an online survey system allowing residents to anonymously report fireworks-related activities year-round. This data is crucial for directing patrol operations to identified hotspots. From January 1 to July 6, the county received a total of 1,311 reports, with 245 specifically from the city of Hesperia.

The enforcement operation involved collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, including the Fontana, Upland, and San Bernardino police departments, as well as the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Over the three-day operation, the county deployed a total of 15 fire personnel, 6 investigators, and 16 law enforcement officers on July 4; 10 fire personnel, 6 investigators, and 11 law enforcement officers on July 5; and 9 fire personnel, 6 investigators, and 10 law enforcement officers on July 6.

In Hesperia, the operation saw 23 fireworks-related calls for service, which included incidents of injuries and fires. The fire department issued three administrative citations, while the sheriff's department recorded 167 calls for service and issued 15 response forms. Approximately 600 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated during the operation.

Markleff emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting illegal fireworks use, highlighting the effectiveness of the collaborative enforcement efforts in mitigating fire risks during the holiday period.