By Mary O’KEEFE

In 2018, fireworks started about 19,500 fires nationwide, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in five deaths, 46 civilian injuries and $105 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

According to Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around July 4th. In 2018 fireworks were involved in about 9,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. The estimated rate of injuries treated in emergency departments is 1.8 per 100,000 individuals in the U.S. Between June 22 and July 22, 2018, 5,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments throughout the nation. More than half of those treated in the emergency departments were people younger than 20 years old, and 36% of the injuries were to children younger than 15 years old.

Despite these statistics people still use illegal fireworks perhaps under the false impression that they would never be injured.

This year due to COVID-19 guidelines and concerns many professional fireworks shows are not being held, including the Crescenta Valley fireworks display. Members of the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association decided to cancel the show in the “interest of public safety and respecting social distancing rules” and they are not alone.

Los Angeles County Fire Dept. has received far fewer permit requests for professional fireworks shows than in years past. There are still some areas that will be hosting professional shows, including the Irwindale Speedway that is hosting a “drive-in fireworks spectacular.” The gates open at 6 p.m. with fireworks beginning at 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 per car with no more than the legal number of occupants per car. Face coverings must be worn at all times. For more information visit www.irwindalespeedway.com.

Santa Clarita has also decided to put on its Spirit of America fireworks show that will begin at 9:15 p.m. The show will also be streamed online and viewers can watch the fireworks from their vehicles throughout the area.

With fewer professional shows it appears that some areas are seeing an increase in the use of illegal fireworks, which neighbors became aware of a few weeks ago when loud “booms” were heard.

“There are two levels to illegal fireworks,” said Anita Shandi, deputy director of the City Glendale Fire Administration.

She said that one level is the physical injury that can happen when using fireworks and the other are the fires that can ignite from an ember from the explosive fireworks.

“And I think another thing to be considered is how this affects neighbors and pets,” she added.

The noise of fireworks can cause many pets to become agitated and frightened, even causing some to run away from their homes. 

Fireworks on Independence Day are a traditional celebration and firefighters and law enforcement officials understand the desire to celebrate; however, all interviewed for this article remind people that fireworks are dangerous and illegal.

“We see the other side of the fireworks,” said Capt. Eric Scott, LA City Fire Dept. “In 1982 we started our annual anti-fireworks campaign and [work] with multiple agencies.”

He added illegal fireworks are especially dangerous near the foothills and brushfire prone areas. When the much-needed rain came a growth of vegetation resulted that is now drying out as temperatures rise.

“A spark in light, flashy fuels that have dried [out] are very susceptible and a slight breeze will push [that spark] to flames,” Scott said.

Being in possession of illegal fireworks is against the law in the unincorporated area of LA County, in Glendale and in the City of Los Angeles. In Glendale, Los Angeles City and the unincorporated areas of LA County, all personal fireworks including “safe and sane,” are illegal. Violators are subject to arrest that could include up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

“Safe and sane” fireworks are generally those that do not fly, travel or explode.

If someone hears or sees fireworks in their neighborhood they are advised to contact their local law enforcement non-emergency number unless the person feels there is a dangerous issue like potential injury or fire.

Both the fire departments and law enforcement agencies plan to have extra personnel patrolling the area.

“We can drive around and move into those areas where the [fireworks are],” said Sgt. Christian Hauptmann, Glendale Police Dept. spokesman.

He added it is difficult for officers to see the fireworks that explode in the air and then attempt to find the person who is setting them off.

“Our best resource is the people who are nearby,” he said.

The non-emergency phone numbers to report illegal fireworks are: Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station (818) 248-3464, GPD (818) 548-4911 and LA Police Dept. -Foothill Division is (818) 756-8861 or (877) 275-5273. A complaint form can also be found at complaint.lacity.org/Complaint/fireworks.

  Charly Shelton, Mary Okeefe