Where Are Fireworks Legal in LA? Not in Echo Park-Silver Lake

By Ashley Ludwig

Los Angeles, CA --Fire danger is high this July 4th, and even the Safe and Sane Fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles. However, dozens of cities around Los Angeles County are among nearly 300 California communities that allow for the use of Safe and Sane Fireworks. Be aware, there are hefty fines in place for misusing or breaking the law regarding which fireworks can be used where.

L.A. County July 4th Fireworks Guide 2016: Where To See The Shows

Only Fire Marshall approved fireworks--are allowed in most places. According to CalFire, "illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner."

NOTE: individual cities have different rules when it comes to fireworks legality. In Los Angeles County, the following cities have "safe and sane" fireworks allowed (Read full list of California Cities with Safe and Sane laws here):

• Alhambra
• Artesia
• Azusa
• Baldwin Park
• Bell
• Bell Gardens
• Bellflower
• Carson
• Commerce
• Compton
• Cudahy
• Downey
• Duarte
• El Monte
• Gardena
• Hawaiian Gardens
• Hawthorne
• Huntington Park
• Industry
• Inglewood
• Irwindale
• La Mirada
• La Puente
• Lakewood
• Lawndale
• Lynwood
• Maywood
• Montebello
• Monterey Park
• Norwalk
• Palmdale
• Paramount
• Pico Rivera
• Rosemead
• Santa Fe Springs
• South El Monte
• South Gate
• Temple City
• Vernon

Some CalFire Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks
• Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
• Always read directions
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
• Light one at a time
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy

Though common sense may apply in most of these cases, CalFire offers the following suggestions to avoid injuring yourself or endangering others.
Injury Prevention Safety Tips:

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
• Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never experiment with fireworks
• Never attempt to relight or “fix” fireworks
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
• Fireworks are not toys

"Know the Law," CalFire recommends. "Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks."
What do you do when you see illegal fireworks in your neighborhood? A recently released app for both iPhone and Android are in place to enable the public to "Nail 'em"--or easily report illegal fireworks usage in your community through the use of GPS and photo.

Remember, you can always go to your local Southern California city run fireworks display. Enjoy your 4th of July!
Read the full California State Law on Fireworks: View the California Law Summary

Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.