safety
Police across Inland Empire prepare crackdown on illegal fireworks
By Christian Cázares and Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
With Fourth of July celebrations just two weeks away, law enforcement agencies across the Inland Empire are preparing to increase enforcement efforts aimed at preventing the use of illegal fireworks.
Authorities say security measures will be heightened this year as the nation marks its 250th a...
Key takeaway Authorities say security measures will be heightened this year as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The crackdown on illegal fireworks in the Inland Empire has significant implications for Los Angeles County residents who may be tempted to purchase fireworks in neighboring counties. While some cities in San Bernardino County, such as Rialto and Fontana, allow the sale and use of certain fireworks, the restrictions in Riverside County and the city of Riverside serve as a deterrent to those who might consider using illegal fireworks. The use of drone teams by the Riverside Police Department to identify and cite illegal fireworks activity is a notable strategy that may be replicated in other cities. As the Fourth of July celebrations approach, Los Angeles County residents should be aware of the laws and regulations regarding fireworks in their area and the potential consequences of using illegal fireworks, including hefty fines. The economic impact of fireworks restrictions is also noteworthy, with some businesses, like Crazy Al's Phantom Fireworks, benefiting from the restrictions as people opt for legal fireworks instead.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With Fourth of July celebrations just two weeks away, law enforcement agencies across the Inland Empire are preparing to increase enforcement efforts aimed at preventing the use of illegal fireworks.
Authorities say security measures will be heightened this year as the nation marks its 250th a...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Christian Cázares and Elizabeth Chavolla at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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