Updated July 11, 12:35 p.m. – This story has been updated with additional information from the Riverside Police Department about the citation contest process and upcoming City Council presentation.
A collaborative effort between Riverside Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement resulted in 65 administrative citations for illegal fireworks during the city's first-of-its-kind aerial surveillance program. The operation, spanning from June 27 to July 4, 2025, used drone technology to document violations and hold property owners accountable, with each citation carrying a $1,500 penalty.
Fireworks-related calls increased by 15% from last year, with the city receiving 547 calls to emergency services and 431 complaints to the 311 center during the enforcement period.
The recent Mandalay Fire in Riverside, which ignited Sunday afternoon near Tyler Street and Jurupa Avenue, burned over 83 acres of wildland and forced numerous home evacuations, suspected to be caused by illegal fireworks though investigation continues. Last summer's Hawarden Fire, the largest in Riverside's history, also started from illegal fireworks.
"Illegal fireworks, especially commercial-grade aerial types, pose a serious threat to public safety," said Fire Chief Steve McKinster. "They're more than loud nuisances; they can cause devastating fires and life-changing injuries, putting homes, property, and lives at risk every year."
Five enforcement teams positioned throughout the city focused on areas with a history of high illegal fireworks activity, as well as locations identified through dispatch calls and 311 Call Center complaints.
In this first-of-its-kind enforcement program for Riverside, the department deployed small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS or drones) with enhanced zoom capabilities to monitor illegal fireworks activity.
Drone footage shows illegal fireworks being launched from residential properties. This evidence was used to issue citations with $1,500 fines. (Riverside Police Department)
When drones recorded violations, teams collected video evidence to pinpoint the property of origin. The drone operator, visual observer, code enforcement officer, and often additional police and fire personnel verified each case before issuing a citation.
The technology has transformed how the city addresses a perennial safety issue, according to officials. "Drone technology is a vital tool in cracking down on illegal fireworks, and we will continue to use it," said Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. "It allows us to safely identify violations, collect evidence, and hold offenders accountable, without putting officers or firefighters at risk."
Experiences varied across the city, with some neighborhoods reporting significant improvements while others saw little change.
Jane Adams noticed a significant improvement following the holiday. "Our Fourth of July started off with a HUGE bang at 7:30 p.m.," she said. "But as the evening wore on there did seem to be somewhat of a decrease in the racket. The most exciting thing about the drones has been the days since the Fourth. We typically hear a barrage of fireworks for at least a week after. On the 5th we heard some, but not in our neighborhood and since then NONE!"
Charlotte Davidson, who lives on a farm bordering a housing tract in the 92503 Greenbelt area, also reported improvement. "Every year the neighbors have ignored the law and set off fireworks. Aside from the fire risk, I have animals, horses in particular, that risk injury," she said. "This year was quiet on the Fourth."
However, enforcement appears to have been inconsistent across the city. Suzanne Priebe of Orangecrest noted a partial change in patterns. "My neighborhood in Orangecrest had fireworks going all evening," she said. "What is different this year is the Fourth seemed to be the only day people were lighting them. In previous years, it will last for at least a week."
Beth and Brian Radford of La Sierra reported no improvement. "Sadly, we did not notice any difference in our area this year," they said.
"The City of Riverside remains committed to keeping the community safe through proactive enforcement, public education, and continued use of small Unmanned Aerial Systems," according to the July 10 joint news release.
The data collected during this year's operation will inform future enforcement strategies, according to to Officer Ryan Railsback, RPD Public Information Officer. The enforcement teams will conduct a debrief in the coming weeks to review this year's efforts and identify any improvements or adjustments for next year. With the legal framework now established through the amended municipal code, the drone enforcement program appears set to continue.
Individuals who received citations can contest them through the Finance Department at City Hall. Additionally, a process is being developed to allow those contesting a citation to view the corresponding video evidence.
A presentation detailing this year's enforcement efforts, including heat maps showing citation concentrations across neighborhoods, will be given at the July 15 City Council meeting, Railsback said. Comparative data regarding previous years' enforcement efforts is expected to be included in the presentation.
Officials emphasized that fireworks are illegal within city limits year-round. To report illegal fireworks, residents can use the 311 app, visit the city's website, or call 311.
