City, sheriff, fire remind residents about fireworks
It’s that time of year again, when the city of Santa Clarita, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and county Fire Department officials team up to remind people that all fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County.
Every year, the agencies launch a joint fireworks-safety campaign to inform residents that illegal fireworks are dangerous and are not tolerated within city limits.
The Sheriff’s Station will also conduct multiple fireworks operations between now and the Fourth of July, as fireworks are illegal, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Code.
Those found guilty of a violation will be cited and have their illegal fireworks confiscated by the Sheriff’s Station.
“Violators can receive a fine from $500 to $1,000 and face misdemeanor prosecution,” says Capt. Robert Lewis, noting that even fireworks considered “safe and sane,”such as sparklers, snaps and smoke balls, are still illegal.
The public is encouraged to report illegal fireworks anonymously by calling the SCV Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.
City and county officials are asking that people not dial 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks, unless it is a lifethreatening emergency.
Residents may also report illegal fireworks to the sheriff’s deputy assigned to their zone. Information on zones can be found online at scvsheriff.com/zone-leaders.
“Fireworks are known to cause burns, serious injuries and even death,” warns Assistant Fire Chief Anderson Mackey. “Besides causing physical harm to our citizens, fireworks greatly increase the risk of both structure and wildland fires.”
“We want folks to enjoy the Fourth of July, but responsibly. In addition to possibly starting a fire, fireworks create anxiety and stress among pets and veterans who may have post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Mayor Laurene Weste. “I would recommend our residents leave the show to the pros and instead attend the city’s free and magnificent Fourth of July fireworks show.”
The city’s annual Fourth of July show will take place at the Westfield Valencia Town Center at 9:15 p.m.
As part of the campaign, the agencies have partnered with the County of Los Angeles - Castaic Animal Shelter and the Lange Foundation’s St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary on a social media campaign, featuring local L.A. County firefighters with dogs that are adoptable in the area. The campaign is intended to educate the public that besides being extremely dangerous, fireworks are the leading cause of runaway pets; more pets get lost on the Fourth of July than any other time of the year.
In addition to social media, the fireworks safety campaign includes digital and print messaging at local city facilities and schools.
A fireworks safety press conference will be held to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are illegal in the city of Santa Clarita, in Los Angeles County unincorporated communities and in many of its 88 cities. The press conference is scheduled 10 a.m. Friday, June 29, at Los Angeles County Fire Station 126, located at 26320 Citrus St.
For more information on local professional fireworks shows in and near the Santa Clarita Valley, or details regarding fireworks regulations, please visit santa-clarita.com/Fireworks.