City Leaders: Zero Tolerance for Fireworks This Summer

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin discusses the dangers of illegal fireworks during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

Illegal fireworks on display as an example of what not to use for this years 4th of July during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

Pasadena Chief of Police John Perez discusses the dangers of illegal fireworks during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

Lisa Derderian, Pasadena Public Information Officer, left, stands with Pasadena Police Chief John Perez, Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin, and City Prosecutor Michael Dowd, during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

Rose Bowl Chief Revenue Officer Jens Weiden, during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

"No Fireworks in Pasadena" a sign reads during the City of Pasadena 4th of July Safety, Activities and Enforcement Press Conference in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Thursday, June 3, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)

City officials Thursday reminded residents that fireworks remain illegal in Pasadena and any fireworks violators will be prosecuted.

City Prosecutor Michael Dowd told reporters at a morning press conference a 2018 law now holds property owners equally responsible for fireworks violations by their renters or tenants. It also criminalized the use, possession, or discharge of fireworks in the city.

“We will hold property owners equally responsible for what goes on on their property,” said Dowd.

Dowd showed off a 25 lbs. display of fireworks confiscated by inspectors and said that since the passage of the law, the City’s multi-agency Fireworks Suppression Detail has issued more than 200 citations, seized 700 lbs. of fireworks and collected more than $30,000 in fines from offenders.

Pasadena Chief of Police John Perez said no citations have yet been issued this year.

“Hopefully we don’t have to,” he added.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin emphasized the explosive danger of fireworks and the fires they cause, especially in the current dry season, and said that the fire department is being especially vigilant.

“We must take preventive measures to protect yourselves, your neighbors and your friends,” he said. “We are protecting them from injuries and we are protecting them from fires.”

The fire department will increase patrols on July 2, 3, and 4, he said.

Added Augustin, “There will be zero tolerance for illegal fireworks. Even sparklers burn at 2000 degrees and can cause injuries. Have a safe barbeque instead.”

The officials said instead of watching illegal fireworks and face possible trouble, Pasadenans should enjoy the traditional AmericaFest fireworks celebration now set to the Rose Bowl after a one-year pandemic absence.

Jens Weiden, chief revenue officer emphasized the appeal of the annual fireworks ceremony urging local residents to visit the Rose Bowl on the Fourth of July to picnic on the grounds, or to park on the golf course to view “the best fireworks on the West Coast,” or best of all, to watch the show from inside the stadium.

“It’s an affordable family-friendly event,” he said.

Weiden added that the stadium will allow 20,000 people inside for the pyrotechnic extravaganza.

“Masks will be required, however, June 15 notwithstanding,” he said, “ but we will try to be as close to normal as possible.”