Pasadena Reports Mixed Results in July 4th Fireworks Crackdown

City officials will present a mixed assessment of their Fourth of July fireworks enforcement efforts during Thursday’s Special Public Safety Committee meeting, showing record seizures but little change in overall violations this year.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin, Deputy Chief Anthony James and Pasadena Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian are scheduled to report during the meeting that authorities confiscated 128 pounds of illegal fireworks this year. The haul represents the second-highest total in four years, behind only 2023’s 118-pound seizure, according to a preliminary report.

Despite the enforcement push, calls for service dropped only slightly to 127 from 129 last year. Citations issued remained nearly flat at 10, down from 13 in 2024.

The city deployed enhanced patrols from June 27 through July 6, the report said. Four police officers and one fire arson investigator worked the pre-holiday period. On July 4, six officers, one sergeant and additional fire personnel patrolled the city.

Officials conducted 3,911 hazardous vegetation inspections before the holiday. They also launched messaging campaigns in English and Spanish, posted warning signs and held a press conference.

The enforcement resulted in one tree fire and two vegetation fires, the report said. No injuries were reported.

City workers seized 80 pounds of fireworks on July 4 alone. Fire department personnel also assisted CAL Fire with a major seizure in Commerce that netted more than 450,000 pounds.

Pasadena has increased fines for fireworks violations. First-time possession of dangerous fireworks now carries a $300 penalty. Discharging dangerous fireworks starts at $650 for a first offense.

City officials plan to propose a drone program to improve enforcement. The technology would allow quick deployment and real-time footage to pinpoint illegal activity. Drones could respond to multiple locations simultaneously using night vision and thermal imaging.