Firefighters to Douse Brush Near Rose Bowl With 16,000 Gallons of Fire Retardant Thursday

Pasadena Fire Department personnel will be spraying fire retardant Phos-Chek on Thursday to the brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl Stadium, where the largest 4th of July fireworks show in Southern California takes place yearly.

Applying the long-term fire retardant is a preventive measure “to mitigate potential hazards during the 4th of July weekend,” the Fire Department said in a statement.

The clear chemical will coat the brush areas surrounding the Rose Bowl, which helps keep trees and grassland from burning. Phos-Chek also contains fertilizers, which help revegetate areas after a fire is out.

City Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said the Fire Department will be using up to 16,000 gallons of the retardant around the Rose Bowl.

“It’s the same amount we’ve used [in past years] and it’s several acres around the San Rafael, Linda Vista and Arroyo Seco areas,” Derderian said. “We hope to kick it off shortly after 9 a.m. as we apply it throughout the day.”

Fire Department personnel and Pasadena Police officers continue to be on the lookout for fireworks which are prohibited in the City.

In 2018, the City Council passed an ordinance that facilitates the prosecution of fireworks offenders, which could be property owners or tenants who are in possession of fireworks.

Pasadena maintains a zero-tolerance enforcement policy for the ordinance, and the City’s police officers and firefighters are ramping up joint special fireworks enforcement patrols before and during the 4th of July holiday.

Any person who violates the ordinance or any state law regarding fireworks is subject to arrest, having their vehicles impounded, serving up to one year in county jail and being fined up to $50,000.

Derderian said no one has yet been arrested, fined or cited at this point this year for violating the ordinance.

“We have fireworks suppression teams patrolling the city and responding to calls,” she said.

On Thursday, Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin will meet with local media representatives and give an overview of the Phos-Chek application process. Pasadena Interim Police Chief Jason Clawson will provide tips on fireworks safety, and City Prosecutor Michael Dowd will provide guidance on the possible penalties for violating the law. New Rose Bowl Operating Company CEO Jens Weiden is also expected to attend, the Fire Department’s statement said.

For more information about the City’s anti-fireworks campaign, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/news/pasadena-reinforces-all-fireworks-are-illegal-and-ordinance-will-be-strictly-enforced.

Residents may also report illegal fireworks and other suspicious activities by calling the Pasadena Police Department, (626) 744-4241, or the Citizen Service Center, (626) 744-7311, during business hours.