Full Notification

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department wants you to have a SAFE and LEGAL July 4^th!
 
Fireworks are not permitted in the unincorporated areas! 
 
We would like to remind residents that the use and ownership of fireworks is prohibited in ALL unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.  This includes "Safe and Sane" fireworks and emergency signal devices used as fireworks. Statistics have shown a distinct increase in structure and vegetation fires during the 4th of July holiday time frame. In addition to the monetary loss of property due to fire, many fireworks-related injuries have been reported, especially for young children. An increase in firework-related fires and incidents may cause emergency responders to be tied up with preventable incidents and delay them from responding to ordinary day-to-day calls. The use of fireworks is prohibited in the unincorporated areas and possession of them will result in a fine. To report use of illegal fireworks contact the Temple Sheriff's Station at (626) 285-7171.
 
Fireworks citations carry hefty fines – or risk of serious felony arrests!  Leave the fireworks to the professionals – take the family to a public celebration and enjoy the show. Don't ruin a great day by ending up with a fine, or in the emergency room, or in jail.
  
In general, if a firework explodes, flies, darts, or travels they are illegal in California.  The penalties for using illegal fireworks include fines of $2,500 for a first offense.  As a reminder, many of these fireworks violations are classified as felonies.

Los Angeles County Fire Code Section 3301.1.3 states that it is illegal to store, manufacture, sell, use, or handle ALL FORMS of fireworks in any unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The penalties for possession or use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks can range from a fine up to $1000, to confinement in a county jail for up to one year.
Please keep in mind this is an extremely busy holiday for the Temple Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Sheriff’s Department will have special teams deployed to combat the use of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks by the numbers
• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2013 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Find a professional fireworks show near you! 
Residents requesting dates, times and locations of fireworks shows taking place within their community can contact the FIREWORKS HOTLINE at (888) 654-FIRE (3473) or access the Fire Department website at http://www.fire.lacounty.gov which will be available to the public beginning Wednesday, June 28, 2017, or  https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/LACoFD-4th-of-July-2017-062017.pdf
 
 
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Frequently Asked Questions
 
1. Are “Safe and Sane” fireworks allowed in your city?
UNINCORPORATED areas prohibit all fireworks.  
CITIES permitting the LEGAL sale and use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks include the following:

Alhambra
Artesia
Azusa*
Baldwin Park
Bell
Bell Gardens
Bellflower
Carson
Commerce
Compton
Cudahy
Downey
Duarte
El Monte
Gardena
Hawaiian Gardens
Hawthorne
Huntington Park
Industry
Inglewood
Irwindale
La Mirada
La Puente
Lakewood
Lawndale
Lynwood
Maywood
Norwalk
Palmdale
Paramount
Pico Rivera
Rosemead
Santa Fe Springs
South El Monte
South Gate
Temple City
Vernon

 
In other areas, all fireworks are considered illegal fireworks and they can be confiscated by fire and law enforcement agencies. Violators are subject to CITATION or IMPRISONMENT.
  
What is an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County?  There are 88 incorporated cities within Los Angeles County, each with its own city council. The areas that are not part of these cities are considered to be unincorporated County territory. More than 65 percent of Los Angeles County is unincorporated. For the 1 million people living in these areas, the Board of Supervisors and County Departments provide the municipal services.  For a guide to find services in your area, click here.

2. What are the dates and hours of sales at fireworks stands?  Additional specific requirements, such as, firework stands and their location, the sales and use period for “Safe and Sane” fireworks are usually stated within the local city ordinance. Please visit the local city’s web page for a link to the city’s municipal code.

3. What are the dates and hours of use? The dates and times are established by each city, in accordance with the State Fire Marshal.

4. Are there restrictions on locations of discharge? Where? ”Safe and Sane” fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. They are only allowed for use within the city limits of the cities listed in question number one.

5. What is the minimum age of purchase at a fireworks stand? The minimum age of purchase is 16.
6. Is proof of age required? Yes, proof of age is required.

7.  Where can I find a fireworks show near me?
Residents requesting dates, times and locations of fireworks shows taking place within their community can contact the FIREWORKS HOTLINE at (888) 654-FIRE (3473) or access the Department’s website at http://www.fire.lacounty.gov