Pasadena Fire Department Sprays Fire Retardant Near Rose Bowl on Thursday

[Updated Thursday, June 30, 2016 | 3 p.m.]   The Pasadena Fire Department began applying Phos-Chek, a wild land fire retardant, starting at 9:00 a.m. Thursday morning in the brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl in advance of the Fourth of July holiday.

This clear retardant helps keep trees and grassland from burning. Its main ingredients are phosphates and fertilizers, which can help revegetate areas after a fire is out. Fire retardant is one of the main tools firefighters use as a preventive measure and to contain growing fires in untreated areas.

Pasadena Fire Department officials said the Department is taking this proactive approach in an effort to mitigate potential hazards during the Fourth of July weekend, as well as into the summer season. Fire apparatus will spend the day coating the area.

The Pasadena Fire and Police departments also remind the public it is illegal to sell, use or possess fireworks in Pasadena. The City maintains a year-round Zero Tolerance Policy for fireworks. Violators are subject to arrest; impound of vehicles; up to one year in jail and fines up to $50,000.

In addition to stadium checkpoints, multiple units of a Fireworks Task Force will patrol Pasadena’s streets to confiscate fireworks and take appropriate enforcement action. Parking enforcement officers will ensure that vehicles illegally parked in Pasadena’s hillside areas on July 4 are impounded.

Consider celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with family and friends by attending the 90th annual “Americafest” one of the best family friendly, professional fireworks shows in Southern California at the beautiful Rose Bowl Stadium. Go to www.rosebowlstadium.com for event and ticket information.

Due to the high potential for fire hazards and injuries, Pasadena police and fire personnel will staff checkpoints around the Rose Bowl Stadium to seize all fireworks and arrest offenders.

If You See Something, Say Something! Call Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 to report illegal fireworks and other suspicious activities.

Pasadena’s Fire Chief Bertral Washington and Police Chief Phillip Sanchez ask everyone to make safety their top priority this year while responsibly celebrating our Great Nation’s Birthday due to extreme drought conditions and the long holiday weekend. The City offers the following safety reminders:

• Pasadena has a “NO Fireworks, Zero Tolerance Policy” for enforcement.
• Celebrate responsibility, always designate a driver.
• If outdoors in the sun, remember to use sunscreen, wear a brimmed hat and stay hydrated.
• Always have someone tending the barbecue and watching the swimming pool when in use.
• Call 911 for all life-threatening emergencies.
• Call (626) 744-4241 for all other public safety needs. Speak calmly and give accurate information about your location and the reason for calling.

Visit www.CityofPasadena.net/Disaster for emergency preparedness information and to register your telephones to receive Red Flag Alerts or other emergency notifications.