BUENA PARK : Traffic Stalled by Knott’s Fireworks

A massive fireworks show Sunday night at Knott’s Berry Farm brought traffic to a standstill as fire officials cordoned off streets near the park to allow for a fireworks “fallout” zone, officials told the City Council on Monday.

The more than 2,000 pyrotechnics also prompted more than 50 calls from residents who thought there had been an explosion.

But both fire and police officials said there was no danger to residents.

“From our perspective, it went very well,” Fire Chief Sam Winner said. The “fallout,” which included burned fireworks and paper scraps, landed in a vacant lot near the park, he said.

During the 18-minute show, drivers were not allowed along portions of La Palma and Western avenues.

“We restricted the area for safety purposes,” Winner said.

Eight off-duty fire fighters were hired by the radio station that sponsored the show. Two on-duty fire officials were also on hand to oversee the actual discharge of the fireworks. It was the largest fireworks show ever to be held at the park, Winner said.

Police Chief Richard Tefank said 22 police officers working overtime helped control traffic and crowds within the park. Knott’s has agreed to pay the $2,600 for the officers’ overtime, Tefank said.