Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
July Fourth: LA County announces 'zero tolerance' for fireworks in hillside, mountain areas
Los Angeles County officials said Wednesday there is a ban on use of fireworks in the Santa Monica Mountains during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. (Photo: Fireworks are set off in Burbank on July 4, 2008.)
(
Renee Silverman/Flickr Creative Commons
)
Listen
0:41
July Fourth: LA County announces 'zero tolerance' for fireworks in hillside, mountain areas
Los Angeles County firefighters and other officials Wednesday announced a zero tolerance policy for use of fireworks in the Santa Monica Mountains.
During a news conference at Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook at Fryman Canyon along Mulholland Drive, L.A. city attorney Mike Feuer said the intent is to prevent wildfires in hillside and mountain areas.
“We have these beautiful vistas all around us,” Feuer said. “We also have these hillsides that are tinder dry. Water levels [are] very low. We have to express to all in Los Angeles the importance of not using fireworks.”
RELATED: July Fourth Fireworks FAQ: What's illegal, where to watch, how to stay safe (maps)
L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge said smoking is also prohibited.
“Anybody smokes a cigarette, smokes marijuana, smokes whatever they smoke ... if they’re smoking south of Ventura Blvd. or north of Franklin Avenue, watch out,” LaBonge said. “We will give them a citation ... we have to protect out natural resources.”
Only "Safe and Sane" fireworks are allowed in 32 cities in Los Angeles County. Safe and Sane generally refers to fireworks that do not fly or explode.
Sponsored message
But Captain Jaime Moore with the L.A. Fire Department said fireworks are not legal in the city of L.A.
"Please do not go into those unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and purchase Safe and Sane fireworks and bring them back into the city of Los Angeles," Moore said.
Officials are encouraging the public to visit a professional fireworks display.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly transcribed one of Feuer's quotes.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
