Inglewood council introduces ordinance to curb fireworks sale and public use after lengthy public comment

The City of Inglewood City Council on a first reading introduced an ordinance to amend the Inglewood Municipal Code to prohibit the sale of fireworks and limit the use or display of fireworks to city‑sponsored events or approved public displays.

The move came after a prolonged public‑comment period in which dozens of residents, nonprofit leaders and vendors urged both sides: many called for a ban on sales and use because of safety, fire risk and disruption to veterans, pets and people with post‑traumatic stress; others said a ban would not stop illegal fireworks and would strip nonprofits of a key fundraiser.

The staff report presented the proposed change as an amendment to the Inglewood Municipal Code to “prohibit the sale of fireworks and restrict the use or display of fireworks to city sponsored events or public displays at certain venues.” The city attorney confirmed that, if adopted after the required readings, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after final adoption.

Public commenters who supported restrictions described repeated illegal, large fireworks displays that, they said, started well before and continued after July 4 and created safety and noise problems. One longtime resident said illegal fireworks had shattered a church window and caused small fires near an empty lot; another said fireworks set off for sports celebrations routinely rained embers into yards. Linda Adams, who identified herself as a West Fairview resident, said loud fireworks have worsened a dog's PTSD and asked the council to act: “I beg you, please stop it.”

Supporters also cited health and environmental concerns. A commenter said fireworks release toxic fumes that aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and harm neighborhoods already facing environmental challenges.

Opponents and several speakers representing nonprofit sellers said the city should focus enforcement on illegal, high‑powered fireworks rather than banning “safe and sane” products that, by state law, are restricted in effect and blast height. John Kelly, who identified himself as vice president of TNT Fireworks, cited data from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and said safe and sane products rarely cause incidents: “I looked at statistics ... There were 3 incidents with safe and sane fireworks over that period of time.”

Nonprofit representatives and vendors stressed that fireworks stand revenue funds basic community services. J'Joy Robinson, who said her nonprofit has run a stand in Inglewood for about five to six years, told the council those proceeds support youth programs, meals and services for low‑income residents. When asked by a councilmember about revenue, Robinson said roughly $88,000 is generated to cover rent, utilities and program costs; the precise net amount available for programs was characterized as not specified.

Council members voted to introduce the ordinance on its first reading; the item will return for a subsequent reading before the council and would take effect after final adoption and the lapse of the statutory waiting period. Council members also noted that introducing the measure is not the same as final approval and that the public would have additional opportunities to comment before the ordinance becomes law.

Discussion points raised to council staff and during public comment included enforcement challenges against out‑of‑jurisdiction sellers, the distinction between “safe and sane” products and illegal fireworks, risks to pets and veterans, and the fundraising role of nonprofit vendors. No final ban is in effect until the council completes subsequent readings and a final vote.

The council’s introduction of the ordinance begins a process that the staff and council described as allowing time for further public input before any final prohibition would take effect.