Fire Officials Issue Fireworks Warnings
In an effort to curtail the use of illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Los Angeles fire officials on Monday urged the public to watch community fireworks displays and report any unlawful usage to an anonymous hot line.
This week’s soaring temperatures and low humidity multiply the danger of using any fireworks, and fire officials will be actively patrolling neighborhoods to reduce the problem of illegal ones, according to county fire Capt. Steve Valenzuela. “The majority of injuries are from illegal fireworks,” he added.
The possession of fireworks and their use are illegal in the city of Los Angeles and subject to fines or imprisonment.
The possession of less than a pound of fireworks is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $500 to $1,000 and/or one year in prison. Possession of more than a pound is a felony punishable by a fine of $5,000 and/or one year in prison.
For information on legal fireworks displays, call (800) 900-FIRE. To anonymously report illegal use or possession of fireworks, call (800) 47-ARSON.
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