Pasadena Officials Urge Zero Tolerance For Fireworks Ahead of July 4

Standing on a scarred, cleared hilltop lot where a Hastings Ranch home once stood, now destroyed by the January Eaton Fire, Pasadena officials on Wednesday delivered a unified message ahead of Independence Day: Fire has already brought enough devastation. Fireworks have no place in Pasadena.

The January 7 blaze, which erupted during an uncommon windstorm, burned more than 14,000 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 10,000 structures across large swaths of Altadena and parts of Pasadena and Sierra Madre. Eighteen lives were lost, and five months later, the cause remains under investigation, with several lawsuits filed against Southern California Edison alleging sparks from a power line in Eaton Canyon ignited the brush.

Flanked by fences and dry brush, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris warned residents and visitors to take the city’s fireworks ban seriously.

“The message today is to make sure that people come and partake in all that’s Pasadena — its beauty, its history, its glory,” Harris said. “But as you can tell by the surroundings and all of the damage we had through the Eaton Fires, it is very risky to come out here and have bad behavior that could lead to that again.”

“All fireworks are illegal in Pasadena,” he emphasized. “Illegal is the word of the day.”

Harris said police and fire personnel will maintain a strong presence citywide during the holiday, with beefed-up staffing planned especially for fire-prone areas and the foothills. Special enforcement patrols will monitor neighborhoods, parks and hill areas.

“We want people to come in and enjoy themselves in Pasadena. But the tolerance will be what it is and that’s to make sure we don’t have any additional fires or adverse safety issues brought on by the festivities of the Fourth of July,” Harris said.

City Attorney Michele Bagneris echoed that warning, citing the emotional and physical toll of the Eaton Fire and the risks fireworks bring in current drought conditions.

“We want to emphasize to people that all fireworks are illegal in the city of Pasadena, including those described as ‘safe and sane,'” Bagneris said. “One spark on a dry tree can cause injury, property damage, and serious air quality issues. There are penalties — up to a misdemeanor or felony — and we will enforce and prosecute.”

The penalties are substantial: fines ranging from $250 to $5,000 depending on quantity, with additional costs for safely disposing of explosives. Violators could face up to one year in jail.

The City has recently toughened its municipal code, increasing fines and holding both property owners and tenants responsible if fireworks are used or stored on their property. The ordinance also allows the city to recover the costs of safely disposing of confiscated fireworks.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin stood among the officials at the devastated site, adding his voice to the chorus of warnings.

“As we stand here surrounded by homes that were destroyed by the Eaton fire, I want to remind you of the grief felt by so many,” Augustin said. “Let’s commit to ensure that no additional property is lost by fire, caused from illegal fireworks.”

“We’re still reeling. (And) we’re in drought conditions,” he added.

The Fire Department is bringing on extra staffing for the holiday, including an additional deputy fire chief, extra engine, and additional patrol unit.

City Prosecutor Tim Wellman, Public Health Director Manuel Carmona, Councilmember Gene Masuda, and Chris Ramon, Interim President and CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society, were also present, underscoring the broad concern. Ramon brought along a rescued dog and spoke about pet safety, noting that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day and urging residents to ensure pets have ID tags or are microchipped.

City Spokeswoman Lisa Derderian noted the delicate recovery underway in fire-damaged areas.

“The vegetation is starting to grow back. We don’t want to have a false sense that it can’t burn again,” she said.

For those seeking alternatives to personal fireworks, officials pointed to professional displays and the Rose Bowl, which will forgo fireworks this year in favor of a Foodieland Food Festival and drone show.

“Our community and our neighbors have suffered enough,” Wellman said. “Let’s not add to it by risking all the harm connected with fireworks. Let’s protect our community from the dangers that fireworks bring, including fires, injuries and property damage.”

“Our community has already suffered too much,” Bagneris concluded. “We can’t afford to let fireworks reopen those wounds.”