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The sounds of fireworks can already be heard in many places across the region in anticipation of the July Fourth holiday.
In Pasadena, however, fireworks are illegal and authorities maintain a zero-tolerance policy on their use, with police and firefighters teaming up in a joint task force rove neighborhoods and respond rapidly to reports of fireworks.
Violators are subject to arrest and the possibility of serving a year in jail, having their vehicles impounded and being fined up to $50,000.
In 2018, the city beefed up its municipal code to hold property owners and tenants responsible for permitting the possession, sale, usage or discharge of fireworks on their property. The code allows for the prosecution of fireworks-related offenses and for the demand of payment for all costs associated with the safe disposal of confiscated explosives.
“The city of Pasadena amended its municipal code to hold property owners and tenants responsible for permitting the possession, sale, usage or discharge of fireworks on their property. The code 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,” said city Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian.
“The city maintains a zero-tolerance enforcement policy for fireworks, and Pasadena police and firefighters are teaming up for special fireworks enforcement patrols before, during and after the Fourth of July holiday,” Derderian said.
Her advice: “Don’t risk it.”
“A drought, extremely dry vegetation and high heat combined with a firework or sparkler that can go astray have the potential to ignite a very volatile situation,” she said.
Last year, police said they received 1,200 fireworks-related calls in the two weeks leading up to July Fourth.
On July 4, 36 citations were issued. All told, 57 citations were handed out for violating the city’s firework ordinance between June 19 and July 4. Over that same two-week period, at least 300 pounds of fireworks were seized.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show fireworks are among the most dangerous of all consumer products. Even hand-held sparklers, which many consider safe, are dangerous and can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The NFPA found that 90 percent of all fireworks-related injuries are caused by so-called “safe and sane” fireworks.
When it comes to fireworks, officials urge people to heed a police slogan: If You See Something, Say Something.
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.
The city invites the public to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly at “Americafest,” one of the best family-friendly celebrations and professional fireworks shows in Southern California, which will be held at the Rose Bowl.
For ticket and event information, visit www.rosebowlstadium.com.
Local officials urge everyone to make safety their top priority and are offering the following reminders:
• Celebrate responsibly and always designate a driver.
• Stay hydrated, drink water or other nutritious fluids before becoming thirsty; limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
• If outdoors, remember to use sunscreen, wear a brimmed hat and seek shade, if needed.
• Fight bug bites by using bug repellent.
• 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 of it in an appropriate trash container.
• Always have someone tending the barbecue and watching the swimming pool when in use.
• Call 9-1-1 for all life-threatening emergencies.
• Call (626) 744-4241 for all other public safety needs.
• When calling for help, speak calmly and give accurate location information.
Stay connected to the city of Pasadena by visiting www.cityofpasadena.net; following on Twitter @PasadenaGov, www.twitter.com/pasadenagov; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
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