City on the Lookout For Illegal Fireworks

Increased patrols and enforcement for illegal fireworks, leading up to the July 4 holiday are currently underway.

“Pasadena officials will confiscate fireworks and offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Fire Chief Chad Augustin. “As you’re aware, the temperatures and fire conditions are already elevated this summer. There have been numerous brush fires throughout the state. Early in the summer fire season. The risk for a devastating fire here in the Pasadena area is very increased. For these reasons, we can not afford anything less than a zero tolerance policy for fireworks.”

Illegal fireworks can be heard locally across the area as the holiday approaches.

The City of Pasadena municipal code holds property owners and tenants responsible for permitting the possession, sale, usage or discharge of fireworks on their property. The ordinance also 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.

“Fireworks are illegal in Pasadena,” said Chief Assistant City Prosecutor Tim Wellman. “They’ve led to injuries, fires, and arrests. Fireworks can be prosecuted in the city of Pasadena by both state law and city law. Under state law, dangerous firework possession, use, sale or distribution can lead to a time in the county jail of up to one year and a fine up to $5,000 depending upon the amount of dangerous fireworks possessed and some violations based upon the amount can lead to three years in state prison and a fine up to $50,000.”

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fireworks annual report, injuries from fireworks are on the rise. Despite decreases in 2020, there are, on average, 9,700 fireworks-related injuries per year. 

In 2023, adults ages 25-44 experienced about 31% of estimated injuries, while children younger than 15 accounted for another 31%. Teenagers ages 15 to 19 had the highest rate of emergency room treatments due to fireworks-related injuries, followed by children between 5 and 9 years old.

About 35% of the injuries were to hands and fingers, and 22% were to the head, face, and ears. Approximately 42% of fireworks-related emergency room-treated injuries were burns

More information is available at www.cityofpasadena.net, or the Citizens Service Center at www.cityofpasadena.net/csc. From Monday through Friday, callers may use the number (626) 744-7311.