City Says Fireworks Ordinance Will Be Strictly Enforced

Pasadena plans to enforce its fireworks ordinance, according to a statement issued this week.

The city amended its municipal code holding 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,” city officials said in the statement.  “Violators are subject to arrest; having their vehicles impounded; and serving up to one year in jail and fines up to $50,000.”

Statistics show that fireworks are among the most dangerous of all consumer products.  Hand-held sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, causing serious burns or fires. National Fire Protection Association statistics reveal that 90 percent of all fireworks-related injuries are caused by so-called “safe and sane” fireworks which are illegal in Pasadena.

The Pasadena Fire Department will be applying Phos-Chek to brush areas in and around the Arroyo area.

Phos-Chek a fire retardant contains phosphates and fertilizers to help prevent plants from burning and to re-vegetate burned wildland areas.

Due to the potential for fire hazards and injuries, Pasadena police and fire personnel will staff checkpoints around the Rose Bowl Stadium to search for and seize any fireworks.  Parking enforcement officers will ensure that vehicles illegally parked in Pasadena’s hillside areas on July 4th are impounded.

Pasadena’s fire and police chiefs urge everyone to make safety their top priority and offer the following reminders:

Celebrate responsibly and always designate a driver.

Stay hydrated, drink water or other nutritious fluids before becoming thirsty; limit alcohol & sugary drinks.

If outdoors, remember to use sunscreen, wear a brimmed hat and seek shade, if needed.

Fight the Bite, use bug spray/repellant to protect against mosquitoes.

Many areas of the city, including outdoor areas, are designated as “No Smoking” zones. Smoking anything in “No Smoking” areas is strictly prohibited. Always make sure that whatever you smoke in an official smoking area is fully extinguished before disposing in an appropriate trash container.

Always have someone tending the barbecue and watching the swimming pool when in use.

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.