Sale of Fireworks

Many cities in the Southeast and Long Beach area allow the sale and discharge of so-called safe and sane fireworks. Most of the sales stands are operated by nonprofit organizations as fund-raising efforts. They must be licensed by their respective cities and are restricted from selling to minors. Fireworks sales are not pemitted in unincorporated areas of the county nor in the cities of Cerritos, Cudahy, La Habra Heights, Long Beach, Signal Hill and Whittier.

Sales permitted June 27 through July 4:

Maywood

Sales permitted June 27 through July 5:

Compton

Sales permitted June 28 through July 4:

Bell

Downey

Norwalk

Santa Fe Springs

Sales permitted June 28 through July 6:

South Gate

Sales permitted June 28 through July 5:Artesia

Bell Gardens

Bellflower

Commerce

Hawaiian Gardens

Huntington Park

La Mirada

Lakewood

Lynwood

Montebello

Paramount

Pico Rivera

WHAT IS LEGAL?

All city-authorized fireworks sales stands deal in safe and sane products, as approved by the state fire marshal and defined by the Health and Safety Code. Generally, they are devices that do not explode, dart or travel. Sparklers are among the legal types, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. However, as of this year, major fireworks distributors have voluntarily withdrawn sparklers from sale in California. State-approved fireworks should have the fire marshal’s seal on the device or its container.

WHAT IS NOT LEGAL?

Examples of illegal fireworks are bottle rockets, firecrackers, cherry bombs, silver salutes, M-80s, M-100s, Roman candles, shells, mortars and helicopters. There is danger in the illegal variety because they can explode, discharge balls of fire, dart about uncontrollably on the ground or rise into the air. Some types also may contain poisonous chemicals.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Use fireworks only in an open, cleared area away from buildings and combustibles such as dry brush. Have a garden hose with shut-off nozzle handy when fireworks are in use. Have a bucket of water to dunk used fireworks. Never throw or hold lighted fireworks in your hand. Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. Do not attempt to fix a “dud.” Have an adult present to supervise the activities of children and use common sense to prevent injuries and property damage.