June 8, 2023
JUNE IS NATIONAL FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH
Safe and Sane Firework Booth Permits Approved by City Council; Hefty Fines Up to $17,500 for Use of Illegal Fireworks
PALMDALE – The City Council approved 36 Safe and Sane firework booth permits during the council meeting on Wednesday, June 7, and reminded residents to only use fireworks where and when it is legal and safe. The City of Palmdale is one of a handful of municipalities in Los Angeles County where people can buy and use Safe and Sane fireworks for their Fourth of July celebrations. Fireworks clearly labeled with the Safe and Sane seal go on sale and are only legal to use in the City of Palmdale from noon on Wednesday, June 28 through noon on Wednesday, July 5. Using these fireworks outside of this time frame is considered illegal and subject to fines.
Everyone is reminded that they will face fines if caught using fireworks illegally within Palmdale city limits. The details of those fines were shared during a press conference held on June 1 in partnership with the L.A. County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office to launch National Fireworks Safety Month.
“Illegal fireworks are not allowed anywhere in Palmdale or in the Los Angeles County portion of the Antelope Valley,” said Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt during the press conference held at City Hall. “The fines for using illegal fireworks in Palmdale start at $2,500 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second offense and $10,000 for the third offense. These fines are cumulative and may result in a total of $17,500 and possible criminal charges.”
Last year in June and July, in partnership with the LASD, City field officers responded to 197 illegal fireworks complaints resulting in the confiscation of 920.5 pounds of illegal fireworks, 72 citations, and 57 educational door hangers left at residences. Palmdale will have our Compliance Officers and the LASD-PAC team patrolling and targeting those selling and using illegal fireworks.
“We need your help to keep our City safe this 4th of July,” shared Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Alarcón. “Be sure to look for the Safe and Sane logo before you buy any legal fireworks.”
Alarcon added, “If you see something, say something. If you know of someone selling dangerous illegal fireworks in your neighborhood, please report it by calling the Sheriff’s station at 661/272-2400.”
All reports of the illegal use or sale of fireworks can be made anonymously. To file a report, please use the following information:
- To report the use of illegal fireworks at a specific address or location, please contact the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661/272-2400.
- To report the illegal fireworks without a specific address or location or the sale of illegal fireworks, please contact Code Enforcement at 661/267-5234.
- Reports can also made online 24/7 at www.cityofpalmdaleca.gov/fireworks.
- You may also use the LASD anonymous tip line at the Toll-Free number 800/222-8477.
“We stand here with the City of Palmdale and the L.A. County Fire Department reminding people that they could be charged with a felony for using illegal fireworks, especially when an injury occurs,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Lt. Layne Arnold. “This year we will be focused on stopping the illegal fireworks sales.”
The City of Palmdale is the only municipality in the Antelope Valley in which Safe and Sane fireworks may be legally sold and discharged on private property. The following areas MAY NOT use any fireworks at all since they are in high-risk fire areas: the housing community Anaverde, all areas south of the California Aqueduct, and locations in the Rancho Vista area are “no fireworks zones.”
“Please remember that no fireworks of any kind are allowed in any of the unincorporated areas of L.A. County, even those county pockets that are within Palmdale City limits,” said Chuck Bostwick, representing County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office.
The no fireworks zone is generally described as the area within the City of Palmdale which lies along the following lines: beginning at the intersection of Rancho Vista Boulevard and 30th Street West, areas south and west of Rancho Vista Boulevard, north to Avenue N-8; south and west of Avenue N-8 from Rancho Vista Boulevard to 55th Street West; west of 55th Street West; and south from 55th Street West to 60th Street West (Godde Hill Road).
“We want everyone to enjoy their time with their family, but please do it safely,” shared Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Chiyoshi Hasegawa, Jr. “Last year we responded to nine brush fires on the 4th of July alone, and 16 life-changing injury calls related to fireworks during the 30-day period around the holiday. Fireworks are a real threat to life and property.”
“I want to invite everyone to enjoy the Fireworks Celebration that the City of Palmdale will host on Saturday, July 1 at the Amphitheater,” concluded Mayor Bettencourt. “It really is the best way to celebrate!”
For ticket information, visit www.PalmdaleAmphitheater.com.
Visit www.cityofpalmdaleCA.gov/fireworks for complete details about where you can legally purchase Safe and Sane fireworks in Palmdale, safety tips for using them, and an interactive map of Palmdale’s No Fireworks Zones.