Campaign Stresses Fireworks Danger

The Los Angeles Fire Department kicked off its annual anti-fireworks campaign Wednesday, urging residents to attend public Independence Day displays rather than setting off dangerous and illegal fireworks.

“With the Fourth of July fast approaching, our minds once again turn to fireworks (and) the danger that they can cause to our society,” Mayor Tom Bradley said at a news conference at a downtown fire station.

Fire Chief Donald Manning said the department will once again use its “There’s nothing cool about fireworks” campaign on billboards, flyers and in radio and television public service announcements.

“Fireworks of all types continue to be responsible for tragically disfiguring injuries and extensive losses in property damage,” Manning said.

As part of the campaign, Manning reminded holiday celebrants that the discharge, possession or sale of all fireworks are illegal within the city limits.