As summer approaches and the Fourth of July draws near, the skies over Los Angeles are already beginning to crackle with illegal fireworks. While some may see these colorful explosions as harmless celebrations of independence or festivity, the consequences are anything but benign. In the City of Los Angeles, all fireworks—regardless of size, type, or perceived safety—are completely illegal to possess, transport, or use. Yet confusion and disregard for the law persist, mainly due to a patchwork of rules across Los Angeles County. In more than two dozen unincorporated communities outside the city’s jurisdiction, “safe and sane” fireworks—such as sparklers and fountains—are still legally sold, creating a grey area that fuels dangerous behaviors within city boundaries.
This legal discrepancy has real and often tragic consequences. Fireworks remain a leading cause of fires, injuries, and traumatic incidents across Southern California during the summer months and New Year’s celebrations. In 2024, the Los Angeles County Fire Department recorded a sharp spike in emergency responses between June 10 and July 10, with dozens of structure fires, vegetation fires, and burn-related injuries directly tied to fireworks use. On July 4 alone, the LAPD fielded over 2,000 service calls by 11 p.m.—a dramatic increase from the average daily volume. And in 2025, fireworks may have played a devastating role in the January 1 wildfire in the Palisades, one week before the tragic urban fire that destroyed thousands of homes and claimed 12 lives.
Beyond the fires and property damage, fireworks also cause silent harm to individuals and communities. Each year, emergency rooms treat dozens of serious injuries, with burns, hearing damage, and traumatic hand injuries being among the most common. Children are frequent victims, often injured by devices falsely believed to be “safe.” Meanwhile, fireworks cause immense distress to combat veterans, individuals with PTSD, seniors, and pets, many of whom suffer anxiety and panic during what should be joyful holidays.
Public safety agencies have long warned about this issue, but real change has been slow to come. One suggested solution is to raise penalties for illegal use. While California law allows fines of up to $50,000 and jail time for possessing dangerous fireworks, local penalties in Los Angeles are often less severe and enforced inconsistently. Other California cities have started to take a stronger stance, implementing hefty fines for first-time offenders and mandatory community service for repeat violators. Los Angeles should consider doing the same. Increasing the base fine to $5,000 or more could serve as a deterrent, especially when combined with a visible enforcement campaign and public education that is adequately funded. Currently, MySafe:LA bears the cost of producing the PSA video, flyers, posters, and banners that are seen around the city, and we do so without financial assistance from the City or County.
However, fines alone are not enough. A strong public awareness campaign emphasizing neighborly responsibility is crucial, and MySafe:LA is working on a completely new initiative for 2026 when the World Cup will be in town. Los Angeles should focus not only on penalties but also on prevention—by increasing access to public fireworks displays, providing clear signage in both English and Spanish about where fireworks are prohibited, and involving schools, community centers, and local leaders to promote safer celebrations. Retailers in legal-use zones should also be required to post warnings about transporting fireworks into L.A., where possession is illegal.
The key point is this: we need to think about our neighbors. Fireworks are not worth risking lives, property, or peace of mind. If we genuinely want to celebrate our freedom and community, we must prioritize their safety. Let’s leave fireworks to the professionals and gather at public displays where the excitement doesn’t come at someone else’s expense.
