To prepare for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) partnered with Fifth District Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and other public safety agencies for two news conferences on fireworks safety.
On the morning of June 26, 2019, the LACoFD was joined by the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, the Grossman Burn Center and MySafe:LA to host a news conference at the Cecil R. Gehr Memorial Fire Training Center. Officials from each agency emphasized fireworks safety and explained the dangers associated with their use. There was also a professional pyrotechnic expert who detonated fireworks to further demonstrate their potential danger.
“In the areas of Los Angeles County and City, fireworks are not allowed,” said LACoFD Chief Daryl Osby. “Together, we are collectively promoting safety. We encourage our citizens to leave the fireworks to the experts by attending a professional fireworks show conducted by State-licensed pyrotechnicians.”
Later in the afternoon, Chief Osby and the Grossman Burn Center participated in a second news conference at Fire Station 126 in Santa Clarita, hosted by Supervisor Barger and the City of Santa Clarita. They offered safety advice to help reduce fires and fireworks-related injuries for Independence Day as Santa Clarita is prone to wildfire activity.
In 2018, there were 52 fires and 36 injuries as a result of “Safe and Sane” and illegal fireworks in Los Angeles County. It is everyone’s goal to eliminate fireworks-related injuries and incidents as well as educate residents and keep them safe.
For a list of fireworks shows in Los Angeles County, visit www.fire.lacounty.gov or call the Fireworks Hotline at 888-654-FIRE.
