Sniffing Out Illegal Fireworks

As Pasadena residents prepare to celebrate America’s Independence Day this weekend, local law enforcement officials are preparing to crackdown on mischievous behavior on Saturday.

However, instead of searching for rowdy miscreants, Pasadena area police officers and Sheriff’s deputies will be setting up checkpoints along the hillsides to enforce the city’s ban against fireworks, it was announced.

Additionally, Pasadena Police Dept. and surrounding law enforcement organizations will have an increased patrolling presence.

While the checkpoints are specific to enforcing the ban on fireworks, police officers and sheriff’s deputies will also proactively be on the lookout for alcohol-related violations, officials said.

The checkpoints, which will focus specifically on along the city’s hillside neighborhoods, will aim to enforce the city ban on all fireworks. According to officials, as Pasadena is a foothill community, fireworks pose a serious threat to the surrounding environment and habitat, hence the ordinance banning the popular Independence Day pastime.

In fact, most communities throughout Los Angeles County prohibit personal use of all fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. Pasadena Police will be issuing stiff penalties to violators, whether caught at the established checkpoints or while on patrol throughout the city limits.

“There is no such thing as a ‘safe and sane’ firework,” Pasadena Fire Dept. chief Dennis Downs has said on several occasions. “All fireworks, no matter what type they are … are illegal in the city of Pasadena.”

City and law enforcement officials will be proactively searching for anyone violating the city’s ban against fireworks may be subject to a fine of up to $50,000 and one year in jail. Also, law enforcement officials will seize all illegal fireworks and possibly confiscate/impound vehicles

“Due to high fire hazards associated with record-low rainfall the past few years, Pasadena police and fire personnel will staff checkpoints to seize all illegal fireworks and arrest offenders,” Pasadena public information officer Ann Erdman said in a released statement. “Parking enforcement officers will ensure that vehicles illegally parked in hillside areas on July 4 are impounded.”

The seizure of fireworks and impounding of vehicles parked along hillsides are aimed to minimize the fire risk along Pasadena’s northern foothill communities. Combined with the current warm temperatures, law enforcement officials hope to control illegal fireworks as much as possible.
Erdman added nearly there are nearly U.S. hospital emergency rooms treat about 10,000 fireworks-related injuries each year, with most victims being children between the ages of 5 and 14.

“Fireworks are the riskiest consumer product,” she said.

Instead of having a personal fireworks show, city officials urge all local residents to attend one of the many professional fireworks hosted by authorized organizations in Pasadena and surrounding communities. Specific information about exact locations of professional firework displays can be found on the Pasadena Now events listing page.

In addition to enforcing the near-county wide ban on personal use of fireworks, Pasadena Fire applied Phos-Check to brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl (see related article) to act as a retardant to help prevent trees and grassland from burning should something go wrong this weekend.

For more information about fireworks safety and enforcement please contact Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 744-7276 or Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501.

To attend or find out additional information about the Americafest Fourth of July celebration at the Rose Bowl, please visit www.rosebowlstadium.com or call the venue at (626) 577-3101.