The dangers of fireworks to pets and the area’s tinder-dry brush have triggered advisories from Riverside County officials.

Animal Services officials again urge extreme care by pet owners during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Every year across America thousands of animals suffer a sad fate following the loud explosions of public firework displays and the blasts of illegal devices, said John Welsh, an agency spokesman.

Nearly 365 animals perished throughout the county during last year’s three-day holiday that centered on July 4. Many of those pets were so frightened that they ran from their homes and into traffic. Dogs have even been known to crash through glass windows to try to escape the loud noises from fireworks. 

The busiest day for Animal Services officials during that holiday period was July 7. On that day, Welsh said, officers responded to 660 reports, including calls to collect 156 deceased dogs. 

That was one of the busiest days on record during Fourth of July holiday periods over the past three years. All told, officers responded to 1,288 reports that included more than 1,000 calls for lost, missing or stray pets. 

New pet owners should especially make arrangements if they plan to be out for the evening. Leaving the animal in a room with the television on at a high volume is one trick. Make sure the pet has its favorite bed and toys nearby for comfort. Opening a fresh can of cat food is a great distraction for felines. 

With scorching summer days increasing the chances of wildfires, county officials are also reminding residents that fireworks are Advertisement
illegal in all unincorporated communities.

Professional fireworks shows will be located throughout the county. Area locations include Lake Elsinore’s Diamond stadium, Temecula’s Ronald Reagan Sports Park, Canyon Lake’s Holiday Harbor and Fallbrook’s Grand Tradition. For a list of show locations and times, or for more information on firework safety, visit www.rvcfire.org.

The county fire and sheriff’s departments will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. Law enforcement officials will confiscate all fireworks found in the county, including sparklers.

First-time violators face a $100 fine and previous offenders can be fined up to $1,000 and spend time in jail. Last year, county firefighters battled seven fires caused by fireworks. Anyone who causes a fire by using illegal fireworks will be financially responsible for the costs of fighting the fire, which can total in the millions of dollars.

"We urge all residents to be safe during the holiday weekend," said county Fire Chief John Hawkins. "Fireworks can cause injuries and fires, as well as get our residents into serious legal trouble."

While the cities of Blythe, Indio, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City allow the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks approved by the state fire marshal, it is illegal to transport, sell, posses, store and set off any "safe and sane" fireworks outside those city limits.

The county Sheriff’s Department, in cooperation with CAL FIRE and the county Fire Department, has designated two phone numbers to report illegal fireworks use in non-emergency situations. Those numbers are (951) 776-1099 and 1-800-950-2444.

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