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View Winners → Pasadena taking a hard line on possession and use of fireworks
News Jul 03, 2013
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The Pasadena Police and Fire departments want to remind everyone that the use of fireworks in that city on Independence Day is illegal.
Instead, they urge you to attend a public fireworks display, like the one that is being held at the Rose Bowl on the evening of July 4.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said the city will be taking a hard line on the possession and usage of fireworks.
“Fireworks will be seized. People will be issued citations and those cases will be submitted to the city attorney’s office for consideration of prosecution,” Sanchez said. “Independent fireworks are not legal and they’re not welcome in the city of Pasadena.”
Sanchez added he is asking the public to be vigilant in protecting everyone’s safety this Independence Day.
“If you see something suspicious, please call the Pasadena police department, 911 or the non-emergency number at 744-4241,” he said. “Let the police department see and have the opportunity to investigate them.”
Fire Chief Calvin Wells said the hot weather expected for the Independence Day weekend is not good for those who use fireworks.
“Fire season is an all-year-round event here in Southern California,” Wells said. “Currently, we are experiencing drought-like conditions in our foothills. The Fourth of July weekend will be hot and dry which creates high fire dangers and concerns throughout the region.”
He added they are very dangerous to use and are not worth the effort.
“We are concerned with the usage of fireworks this time of year all fireworks are illegal in Pasadena,” Wells said. “Often times you hear the words ‘safe and sane.’ There is nothing safe not sane about fireworks. Fireworks are made to burn very rapidly or to explode. They are inherently dangerous. The best thing is to leave fireworks to the professionals.”
In addition, Wells said if you use fireworks you will have to suffer the consequences.
“The city of Pasadena will uphold a zero tolerance policy with regards to fireworks throughout the city,” Wells said.
Wells also said the risk of injury for children ages 5 through 14 doubles for those who use fireworks.
(Shel Segal can be reached at ssegal@beaconmedianews.com).
