El Monte and LA County Fire Confiscate 51 Tons of Illegal Fireworks

PHOTO CAPTION: El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Bart Patel, joined by fellow City Councilmembers Norma Macias, Victoria Martinez and Juventino “J” Gomez, stands with El Monte Police Chief Steve Schuster and LA County Fire Chief Daryl Osby to remind residents of the dangers posed by using illegal fireworks and to discuss increased enforcement efforts by the El Monte police force this Fourth of July.

The El Monte Police Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department are working together to emphasize the need for fireworks safety and to discuss enforcement efforts to discourage the use of illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.

Officials from the City of El Monte, the City’s Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department issued a stern warning that individuals caught using illegal fireworks could face a $1,000 fine. The agencies also displayed a portion of the more than 51 tons of confiscated illegal fireworks and provided a demonstration of their combustibility by setting off some of the contraband.

“This year we are continuing to work together in an effort to find real solutions to dealing with illegal fireworks within our City and I’m already proud of the results to get dangerous fireworks off our streets,” said El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Bart Patel, who Chairs the City’s special fireworks task force. “While we want all of our residents and community members to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, we also want make sure that they are acting with safety in mind. We will be out in full force to make sure we are doing what we can to prevent dangerous activities this Independence Day.”

As of July 1, the El Monte Police Department has confiscated more than 51 tons of illegal fireworks during 25 sting operations in several area cities, resulting in 41 felony arrests.

“If you use or possess illegal fireworks, you will receive a citation for $1,000,” El Monte Police Chief Steve Schuster said. “This is a zero-tolerance program and no warnings will be given. Safety is our utmost priority.”

Plans for enforcement include 33 extra police officers and supervisors on patrol who will be dedicated solely for the purpose of issuing citations and making arrests on July 4, from 2 p.m. to midnight. Arrests will be made for felony offenses (possession of 100 pounds or more of illegal fireworks and other dangers explosives/devices).

Should offenders not pay their citations, the citations will be turned over to a collection agency and offenders will potentially face a lien being placed on their property taxes and the City will receive payment at that time.

Only fireworks marked “Safe and Sane” are legal and can only be used on July 3 and July 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

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