Police continue reminders about dangers of illegal fireworks

Jennifer O'Neal sent in this photo showing the temperature on her dashboard display on Friday.

As the extreme heat warning continues and fire danger is high, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reminds residents that fireworks are illegal and deputies remain vigilant in enforcing the law.

With temperatures at 115 degrees and above the last two days, fires in the Cajon Pass and in the mountains above Yucaipa remind us of the damaging effects of fire. Whether fireworks are the cause of fires or not, public safety officials stay on the lookout for activities that could be contributing factors.

According to a Sheriff's Department news release, deputies assigned to Menifee have conducted a public awareness campaign since June to educate the public about the need to refrain from using illegal fireworks. Even so, deputies were kept busy responding to complaints about fireworks throughout the city Wednesday night and in the nights following.

In a special operation conducted between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. the night of July 4, Menifee officers responded to 76 calls for service related to fireworks. As the summer continues and the use of fireworks continues to be heard in some areas, the Sheriff's Department has issued a warning to residents. It also urges residents to report such activities by calling the Dispatch Center at 800-950-2444 or online through the Sheriff's Department's web page.