(Image Credit: IMAGN) A senator is drafting legislation to approve the use of drones by hunters to recover mortally wounded big game animals like deer in Pennsylvania.
Riverside, California – Following the largest wildfire in city history, Riverside is deploying drones this Fourth of July in an effort to deter and catch those who violate its blanket ban on fireworks. The move comes one year after the Hawarden Fire, ignited by illegal fireworks, scorched 500 acres, destroyed multiple homes, and left at least two people injured.
City officials announced this week that small unmanned drones will be used to assist police, firefighters, and code enforcement teams in identifying and documenting fireworks violations from the air. Equipped with cameras and operated by trained personnel, the drones will patrol neighborhoods throughout Riverside to pinpoint where fireworks are being set off.
“We saw first-hand last summer how fireworks can cause catastrophic property damage,” said Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson. “The risk to lives and property is real, and the consequences for getting caught just aren’t worth it.”
Riverside’s law bans all fireworks—without exception—including so-called “safe and sane” varieties that remain legal in other jurisdictions. The new drone enforcement program joins a broader initiative that includes community outreach, increased public education, and steeper penalties. Fines for illegal fireworks use now stand at $1,500 per violation.
Officials emphasized that citations will be issued to the homeowner at the property where fireworks are launched, regardless of who in fact lit them. City leaders hope that the combination of aerial surveillance and financial consequences will deter residents from risking another fire disaster.
“Fireworks are dangerous to our community and also cause distress for our neighbors, our veterans with PTSD, and our pets,” said Councilmember Jim Perry. “The Hawarden Fire is the biggest example of how destructive fireworks can be, but all our neighborhoods suffer when illegal fireworks are set off in our city.”
Riverside is encouraging residents to celebrate safely by attending the city’s official fireworks shows at Mount Rubidoux and La Sierra Park, both scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 4.
In the days leading up to the holiday—and likely in the days after—residents are encouraged to report illegal fireworks through the city’s website, the Riverside 311 app, or by calling 951-826-5311. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
With fire risk elevated and community memory still fresh from last year’s devastation, city leaders say the time for stronger enforcement has arrived.
