Hemet, CA — As Independence Day approaches, the Hemet Police Department is reminding the community that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Hemet, under Ordinance No. 1850. This includes possession, sale, use, or distribution of any fireworks.
Every year, our Communications Center is flooded with hundreds of complaints related to illegal fireworks, ranging from excessive noise and property damage to frightened pets and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Fireworks not only disrupt neighborhoods but also pose serious risks of fire, injury, and death.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks injured approximately 14,700 people last year and resulted in 11 deaths nationwide. Burns to the head, face, hands, and fingers made up 37% of reported injuries.
This year, Hemet PD is implementing a zero-tolerance policy for firework violations. In partnership with the City of Hemet Department of Life Safety, we’ve deployed an 8-person enforcement team dedicated to responding to firework-related incidents. They will work alongside patrol officers and code enforcement officers throughout the night. In addition, we will have numerous officers assigned specifically to enforce fireworks violations, ensuring widespread coverage throughout the city.
Technology-Enhanced Enforcement
Think no one’s watching? Think again.
This year, we’re expanding our use of drones to locate illegal firework activity:
- Calls and tips received through our designated fireworks hotline and reporting email will be used to dispatch the drone team to specific locations.
- Drones will only be deployed in response to reported calls for service and will not be conducting active aerial patrols.
- Live Video Feeds allow officers to track suspects and pinpoint launch sites in real time.
- Infrared Cameras help locate individuals in low-visibility conditions.
- Recorded Footage is used as evidence to issue citations and administrative fines.
- Drones help direct officers to violators quickly and accurately, with response times that are a fraction of the response times for ground units.
Even if fireworks aren’t being actively launched when officers arrive, recorded drone footage and location data will be used to cite individuals or property owners, including citations issued by mail.
Violations & Penalties
Violators are subject to:
- $1,000 fines per violation
- Potential misdemeanor prosecution
- Citations issued to property owners, regardless of who lit the fireworks
How to Report Illegal Fireworks
Please help keep our community safe by reporting illegal fireworks through the proper channels:
- Call: (951) 765-3827
- Email: pdfireworks@hemetca.gov
- App: Use the Hemet Police Department App available on iOS and Android
Please do NOT call 9-1-1 for non-emergency fireworks complaints. Let’s keep emergency lines open for true emergencies.
We encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly. Spend time with loved ones, attend professional fireworks shows, and help us keep Hemet safe.