This 4th Of July, Leave The Fireworks To Professionals

PASADENA, CA — City officials want to make one thing clear for Pasadena residents this summer: Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Owning and setting off fireworks has been illegal in Pasadena since 2018, and the amateur pyrotechnics could lead to serious injuries or unintended fires, officials said during a news conference Thursday. While the 4th of July is still about a month away, officials said they wanted to get the word out early to prevent any potential fireworks-related mishaps from taking place.

The city's high brush areas are especially at risk of catching fire during the hot, dry summer, and the Pasadena Star-News reported a large number of citations were issued to residents in those areas last year for illegal fireworks usage.

“We want to keep everybody safe, we don’t want people hurt or property damaged,” said Mike Dowd, the city's chief prosecutor, according to the Star-News.

First-time offenders caught with fireworks face a $350 fine and an additional $500 fine if they're caught setting them off, officials said.

At least two fires were linked to fireworks in 2020, and roughly 427 pounds of fireworks were confiscated last year by the Pasadena Fire Department, the paper reported.

The fire department will increase patrols on July 2-4 to monitor for any illegal fireworks usage.

As an alternative to a potentially dangerous homespun display, officials suggest that residents go see a fireworks show by professionals.

After it canceled its display last year because of the pandemic, the Rose Bowl will once again host its AmericaFest fireworks show. The Independence Day celebration is set to be Pasadena's first major event after California lifts its coronavirus restrictions later this month.