BUENA PARK : Council Toughens Fireworks Ordinance
This Fourth of July, fireworks will be illegal at city parks, schools and shopping centers.
In a move to make the holiday safer and reduce the costs of cleaning up debris, the City Council this week revised the city’s fireworks ordinance.
“We’re not taking the ability to celebrate away from our local residents, but at the same time, we’re reducing the potential cost to the city for the cleanup,” Fire Chief Herb R. Jewell said.
However, residents still may set off fireworks in public streets and right of ways in front of their homes. Fireworks will be allowed on private property, but only with the owner’s permission.
The changes also limit fireworks displays to July 4. Until now, they have been legal from July 1 to 4.
Fireworks sales must cease at 8 p.m. July 4, two hours earlier than previously. Jewell said that change is intended to discourage people from buying fireworks for later use.
“That can lead to potential safety hazard and enforcement problems,” Jewell said.
Jewell said Buena Park has been developing a reputation as a place to set off fireworks, because it is one of only four cities in Orange County that allow them.
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