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Many cities in the Southland ban consumer fireworks, including South Pasadena.
Sorry South Pasadenans! BUT we have the BEST fireworks show around!
While some cities, including Alhambra, allow “safe and sane” fireworks, they are not permitted within South Pasadena’s city limits, explained local Fire Chief Paul Riddle.
The message is, “Don’t push it.” In Los Angeles County, possession or use of illegal fireworks can range from a fine of up to $1000, to one year in county jail.
“Fireworks are illegal in the City of South Pasadena,” stressed Riddle matter-of-factly, with the exception of the city’s traditional fireworks show in the stadium at South Pasadena High School. “Along with the police department, we tell our citizens, ‘If you see something, say something.’ I can tell you, in year’s past our city has been very proactive in reporting illegal fireworks.”
Riddle says extra SPFD staff will be on duty during the 4th of July to perform extra patrols.
“We will work alongside our police department to make sure we enforce the law to keep our community safe,” he said, before adding: “We have one of the best fireworks shows in the region. That’s the best place to watch them.”
Not only are consumer fireworks illegal in the city, “they are dangerous,” noted South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller. “Even the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks in many cases have been proven to cause major injuries.”
The purpose of the 4th of July is to celebrate America, pointed out Miller, “and do it in a safe manner,” he said, also suggesting the idea of going to a commercially produced fireworks show like the one at South Pasadena High.
The police chief said his officers will do everything they can to protect local residents during the holiday. “When we get calls of illegal fireworks, we’ll respond to them to keep the community safe,” he said. “If it’s necessary, we’ll confiscate fireworks.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger added: “Annually, fireworks cause brush fires, house fires, millions of dollars in damages, injuries, and even death. I encourage residents to report any illegal fireworks to law enforcement.”
