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Somebody stole their sign, but that won't stop Yakima County's fireworks task force from telling folks to follow the rules.

The sign, which outlined a series of local fireworks restrictions, was discovered missing Friday from its spot on South 16th Avenue just north of Ahtanum Creek and the border with the Yakama Nation reservation.

Three other signs are posted along that stretch; each is worth more than $500, sheriff's officials said.

The signs are big enough that the missing one probably had to be carried off by more than one person. Tribal police officers assisted deputies with the investigation, but no suspects have been identified so far.

The task force of local, state and federal agencies formed this year to focus on annual problems associated with fireworks use in the Ahtanum Ridge area south and west of Union Gap.

The area between 16th and 62nd avenues features several tribal fireworks stands. Authorities say that customers from the Upper Valley patronize the stands and then set off their purchases nearby.

Besides the fact that fireworks are illegal to use or discharge in the unincorporated areas of Yakima County, fireworks users often trespass, litter or start fires on private property and county roads, sheriff's officials say.

In the past week and a half, the sheriff's office has taken 40 fireworks complaints across the county. That relatively low number indicates the education campaign may be working, sheriff's Sgt. Bob Udell said.

The task force plans patrols of the Ahtanum Ridge area through this weekend in order to reduce problems. Violators of the county fireworks ordinance face a $250 fine and could be arrested for more serious violations such as reckless endangerment.