Pasadena police and firefighters will have extra patrols around the city throughout the Fourth of July weekend searching for fireworks about a year and a half after the deadly and destructive Eaton fire.
Officials reminded community members that all fireworks, even those that may be allowed in other California cities, are illegal in Pasadena.
“We really have a zero tolerance for that,” Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said. “Especially post-Eaton fire, we just don’t want to have anybody injured or have another brush fire.”
Those who violate state fireworks ordinances may receive misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in county jail or a fine up to $1,000 or $5,000 depending on the amount of fireworks they have, said Tim Wellman, chief assistant city prosecutor. Anyone who violates Pasadena’s fireworks law, which prohibits having, selling or setting off any fireworks, can be sentenced to up to six months in jail, fined between $250 to $1,000 along and may have to pay for the safe disposal of those fireworks.
Those in possession of larger quantities of fireworks could face felony charges punishable by up to three years in state prison and up to a $50,000 fine.
Pasadena police and fire officials announced Wednesday, June 24, a seizure of about 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in partnership with other Los Angeles County agencies, resulting in four arrests. The seizure included about $120,000 worth of illegal fireworks, a large quantity of marijuana products, an unregistered gun with high-capacity magazines and documents that indicated the sale of illegal fireworks, city officials said.
“We know how dangerous these things are,” said Police Chief Gene Harris, “and we just want the public to know how seriously we’re going to take it.”
This past year, the Fire Department has received a handful of calls for illegal fireworks, compared to past years when firefighters responded to calls more frequently, Augustin said. He believes the decrease in fireworks use can be attributed to the impact the Eaton fire continues to have on the community as well as increased messaging and educational campaigns from fire officials detailing how fireworks can cause fires, injury and property damage.
City officials encouraged community members to instead celebrate the holiday weekend through barbecues or community events, like the Rose Bowl’s FoodieLand Festival, which will feature the stadium’s second annual drone show on July 4 to celebrate without the dangers and environmental impacts of fireworks. Pasadena will also host a July 4th parade and picnic starting at 11 a.m. near Euclid Avenue and Fillmore Street.