City: All Fireworks Are Illegal and Ordinance Will be Strictly Enforced

It’s that time of year again.

The City is reminding local residents that fireworks are illegal and all local ordinances will be enforced.

The City of Pasadena municipal code holds property owners and tenants responsible for permitting the possession, sale, usage or discharge of fireworks on their property.  

The ordinance allows for the prosecution of fireworks-related offenses and for the demand of payment for all costs associated with the safe disposal of confiscated fireworks. 

The City maintains a zero tolerance enforcement policy for fireworks and Pasadena’s police and firefighters are teaming up for special fireworks enforcement patrols before and during the Fourth of July holiday. 

In 2021, illegal fireworks destroyed a home on Summit Avenue about one month before the holiday.

Any person who violates the ordinance or any state law regarding fireworks is subject to arrest; having their vehicles impounded; serving up to one year in county jail; and being fined up to $50,000. 

Statistics show that fireworks are among the most dangerous of all consumer products.  

Even hand-held sparklers, which many consider safe, are dangerous and can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, causing serious burns or fires.  National Fire Protection Association statistics reveal that a majority of fireworks-related injuries are caused by so-called “safe and sane” fireworks which are illegal in Pasadena.

Call Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 to report illegal fireworks and other suspicious activities.  Residents may also use the City’s smart phone app, available at www.cityofpasadena.net/csc to report illegal fireworks.

Due to the potential for fire hazards and injuries, Pasadena police and fire personnel will patrol the City looking for illegal firework activity and police officers will seize fireworks in an effort to protect the public. Parking enforcement officers will ensure that vehicles illegally parked in Pasadena’s hillside areas on July 4th are impounded.

Unlike previous years during which the featured the AmericaFest fireworks show, the Rose Bowl Stadium will be hosting the sold-out LA Galaxy versis LAFC season opener soccer game on July 4th at 7:30 p.m. Only ticket holders will be permitted to park in the area and parking will be strictly enforced surrounding the stadium.