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Sheriff's office and county fire brief supervisors on fireworks rules, enforcement and safety ahead of July 4
Summary
Sheriff's and Fire Department staff reviewed county ordinance and safety guidance: fireworks that are shot or explosive are banned in unincorporated Imperial County; first offense is an infraction with a $500 fine and repeat offenses can be misdemeanors.
Imperial County Sheriff's Office and Imperial County Fire Department staff briefed the Board of Supervisors on fireworks laws, enforcement tools and safety ahead of Independence Day.
Deputy staff from the sheriff's office explained that only fireworks marked "safe and sane" may be used where municipal rules allow; use of aerial, explosive or projectable fireworks is illegal in the county's unincorporated areas. They cited Imperial County Ordinance section 8.24.04, which authorizes seizure of illegal fireworks at the owner's expense and allows fines and criminal charges for violations: a first‑time violation can be charged as an infraction with a $500 fine; subsequent violations can be charged as a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. The presenters noted a first offense may be elevated to misdemeanor if the violation is severe.
The sheriff's office asked residents to report illegal fireworks to the non‑emergency line and to call 911 for fires or injuries. Fire Department staff reviewed safe‑use practices — light one device at a time, keep children at least 30–40 feet away, use hard non‑flammable surfaces, and soak duds for 20 minutes before handling — and recommended alternatives such as drone shows and professional displays. Fire staff also said both the sheriff's office and the fire department have drones available for operations and investigatory uses; the sheriff's office said each patrol station has a drone and that drone units can be deployed from vehicles to investigate illegal activity.
Chief Lancer and department deputies also reported recent mutual‑aid activity responding to the Heber fire on June 23 and described ongoing multi‑agency coordination for summer events. Presenters urged residents to be good neighbors, bring pets indoors, and avoid using fireworks while impaired.
