The main cornerstone for every July 4 celebration is the ubiquitous display of fireworks.
Although exciting to witness, local police are reminding South Pasadeneans that fireworks are illegal within city limits.
“As we celebrate the Fourth of July this year, residents are reminded that all fireworks are illegal in the City of South Pasadena with the exception of the Fireworks Show that can be seen at South Pasadena High School,” South Pasadena Police Chief Art Miller said.
Each July 4, thousands of people, most often children and teen-agers, are injured while using consumer fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death,” according to a statement on the NFPA website, nfpa.org.
Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires, according to data compiled by the NFPA’s Research, Data & Analytics Division.
“These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA.
As an example, NFPA points out that in 2015, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 41% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter of the estimated 2015 injuries.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Miller said that even if the fireworks are purchased elsewhere, you still cannot use them in South Pasadena.
“Safe and Sane fireworks legally purchased in other cities cannot be used in our city,” Miller said. “Officers will respond to calls involving the use of fireworks and confiscate them when appropriate. We wish every one of our residents a safe and enjoyable celebration.”
The South Pasadena Fireworks Show on the evening of the Fourth is held at the football stadium at South Pasadena High School. Children under three-years old get in free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 9 p.m.
The high school football field is located at 1401 Fremont Avenue. Pets are not allowed.
