The absence of professional fireworks displays this Fourth of July leaves an opening for the use of illegal fireworks – and the injuries and fires they can cause.

By Mary O’KEEFE

Emergency responders continue to see an increase in calls regarding the use of illegal fireworks across Los Angeles County. During the annual LA County fireworks press conference held in Santa Clarita earlier this week Mayor Cameron Smyth of Santa Clarita spoke of his concerns about the danger of illegal fireworks.

“It is important to remember that, no matter the size, all fireworks are illegal in Santa Clarita, including those that are labeled safe and sane,” he said.

Those fireworks rules also apply to La Crescenta/Montrose, Tujunga and Glendale, as well as all unincorporated cities in LA County. People who are found in possession of illegal fireworks are subject to arrest that could lead to up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000.

“Each year, as we approach the Fourth of July, we reiterate and remind our residents and communities [in LA County] of the importance of viewing a professional fireworks show,” said David Richardson, LA County Fire chief deputy of Emergency Operations.

He acknowledged there may be fewer professional shows in the area due to COVID-19 but added there are still some shows available, though with restrictions. Santa Clarita, which had announced it was going to go ahead with its fireworks show, announced on Tuesday it decided to cancel the show in compliance with guidelines from LA County Public Health.

To find professional fireworks shows call (888) 654-3473.

“Recent data shows more than 9,100 people within the United States were treated in hospital emergency rooms due to fireworks-related injuries. Last year, in Los Angeles County alone, the activity [we saw] between June 17 and July 17 [was] 76 fires sparked by fireworks. This was an increase of 46% from the prior year [2018],” Richardson added.

In 2019, he said some of those injuries came from safe and sane fireworks – those fireworks determined not to travel, fly or explode.

“In the past few weeks, leading up to the Fourth of July, [LA County Fire Dept. – LACoFD] has already responded to a number of incidents related to fireworks here in Santa Clarita Valley. We [also] had one fire in the Division Three area in La Cañada Flintridge and one [fire] is under investigation in Hacienda Heights,” he said. “Don’t be misled by the ‘safe and sane fireworks’; they can cause injuries especially to children. Small fireworks that seem harmless, like sparklers, will burn at least at 2,000 degrees Farenheit and can cause serious burns and even blindness.”

He added this weekend will see high temperatures, which adds to the risk of brush fires.

“There is an abundance of fire fuels and grasses that are ready to burn,” he added.

Stephanie English, formerly with the LACoFD, was at the conference representing the LA County Board of Supervisors and its chair Kathryn Barger. She also spoke of the risk of fire and injury.

“This is not the time to take a risk and use [illegal] fireworks in our community,” she said.

Captain Justin Diaz of the Santa Clarita LA County Sheriff’s Dept. added that each year LASD receives hundreds of calls for service due to illegal fireworks, and reminded LA County residents that possession of fireworks is illegal in most communities.

Dr. Matt Young from the Grossman Burn Center spoke of the injuries from fireworks.

“One of the best ways you can enjoy this holiday is by not going to the hospital,” he said.

He asked people to speak up and let their friends and family know of the dangers of fireworks. He held up a small piece of wire from a sparkler.

“One of the most dangerous fireworks is this little piece of wire that probably causes more damage than any other fireworks,” Young said. “This can burn as hot as a blowtorch. You wouldn’t give your child a blowtorch but you would give them a sparkler.”

The Grossman Burn Center medical staff has seen so many injuries, and even deaths, due to fireworks. He said fireworks could harm people in many ways including igniting clothes on fire, burning skin and even causing blindness. The staff has seen fireworks, like sparklers, embedded in eyes.

“Every fireworks injury is preventable,” Young said.

In addition to fire and injury, the sounds of fireworks can cause added stress to many veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder].

Another area that is a cause for concern regarding fireworks is Angeles National Forest.

“The July 4th holiday weekend is expected to be exceptionally busy all across the Angeles National Forest. With the fire season upon us, restrictions are in effect for fireworks, campfires and outdoor burning. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions throughout the region,” according to ANF spokesman John Clearwater.

The use and possession of fireworks, including safe and sane fireworks like sparklers, on national forest lands is always illegal.

“The effects of fireworks on our wildlands is potentially catastrophic. Fireworks have been responsible for huge wildfires that have damaged public lands with long-lasting effects. Further, as the Angeles National Forest is an urban forest, adjacent to densely populated areas, a wildfire in the Angeles can quickly threaten homes and communities,” stated Clearwater. “The Forest’s wildlife is already facing unprecedented levels of visitors. Fireworks frighten and disrupt wildlife and have a negative impact on our ecosystem.”

ANF Fire Chief Robert Garcia said the forest is seeing an increase in visitors.

“Many visitors are local and new to the forest,” he said.

It is important that all visitors understand the ANF rules and regulations prior to visiting the area. As of Wednesday, the fire level was raised from “high” to “very high.” This means that fires are only allowed in designated fire barbecues provided by the Forest Service in campgrounds and picnic areas; personal barbecues are not allowed.

The change in the fire level is because of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend and the number of illegal fireworks activity occurring in the ANF.

“[Fireworks activity] has been occurring for several weeks now and is very steady,” he said.

Forest Service personnel are also worried about injury and fire, especially with the predicted dry weather. The U.S. Forest Service will have more patrols in the area beginning today and continuing throughout the long weekend.

“It is what we call all hands on deck,” Garcia said. “Fire prevention [personnel] have had their days off canceled and we’ll have extra fire [patrols], including aircraft, and extra engines.”

Even with the patrols it is difficult for emergency responders to catch those who are using fireworks. Garcia said those visiting the forest could help by reporting any suspicious activities including fireworks.

“We are not asking for the public to approach anyone,” he added.

Those who do see illegal fireworks activity are asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. – Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 248-3464.

The Angeles National Forest will have extra personnel working over the holiday weekend including fire prevention technicians who will be patrolling the forest looking for illegal fireworks, campfires and barbecues. A violation can result in six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 per person.

  Mary Okeefe