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Pasadena warns residents: fireworks are illegal; city plans zero-tolerance enforcement for Fourth of July
Summary
Pasadena officials reiterated that all fireworks are illegal in the city, previewed fireworks task-force patrols and cited state and local penalties; officials said drones are under consideration for future use but not this holiday.
Pasadena officials told residents on Friday that all fireworks are illegal inside city limits and that police and fire task forces will patrol the city during the Fourth of July weekend to enforce the ban.
Fire Chief urged residents to celebrate responsibly and said, “Fireworks are illegal in Pasadena.” Police Chief Harris said the city will be welcoming to visitors but made clear enforcement will be strict: “We will be citing and arresting those who are violating the rules,” and described a zero-tolerance posture for illegal fireworks.
Chief Assistant City Prosecutor Tim Wellman detailed legal consequences, distinguishing state law from local penalties. He said violations of state law regarding dangerous fireworks can be charged as misdemeanors that may carry up to one year in county jail and fines that he described as ranging up to $1,000 and, in some circumstances he noted, up to $5,000 depending on the quantity of dangerous fireworks possessed. Wellman also said Pasadena’s local prohibition covers all fireworks — including items sometimes called "safe and sane" — and that local penalties can include up to six months in county jail, fines of $250–$1,000 and responsibility for disposal costs.
Officials said the city will rely on visible patrols and task forces this holiday. In a question-and-answer period, Police Chief Harris said the department is watching new surveillance tools but that drones are not planned for use this year: “we plan on implementing drones at a time in the future. I don't think it's going to be applicable for us this go round.” He added that the department would use other surveillance methods (not specified) to locate violations and that officers will arrest people who shoot firearms into the air.
Officials credited outreach and the fireworks task force for a reported reduction in calls about illegal fireworks compared with previous years and urged residents to protect neighbors, pets and property by skipping personal fireworks. The briefing noted there will not be a city fireworks show this year and provided a police contact number for non-emergencies: 626-744-4241.
No formal votes or policy changes were announced; officials presented enforcement plans and legal options available under state law and Pasadena’s local ordinance as the city prepares for the holiday weekend.
