[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]ireworks have been going off already thanks to the World Cup, and sure, you’re likely hear them go off randomly throughout the year anyway. But as we approach the Fourth of July, the Los Angeles Police Department wants to remind the city that using fireworks from homes in city limits is illegal and unsafe.
In a tweet late last month, the LAPD explain why Angelenos should “Leave [fireworks] to the pros and find a professional firework show near you."
On Monday, Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted a video meant to show how powerful and dangerous even small fireworks can be. A reporter later re-tweeted the message with a note that secretly many locals can nod with in agreement.
I feel like this incredibly awesome video may not have its intended effect of reducing interest in fireworks https://t.co/DwhIXrLXQM
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) July 2, 2018
Indeed. For many the allure is the noise, explosion, and colors that emerge from standard fireworks.
Angelenos frequently travel to neighboring cities in L.A. County that do permit the sale and use of fireworks, then simply drive back to pop off some at their home back in Los Angeles. Each year the use of fireworks in Los Angeles during Fourth of July results in a layer of smoke over the city.
City officials offer these points to encourage people to leave the fireworks to the pros.
- Our patriotic veterans may have bad combat-related flashbacks.
- Our pets will be terrified, and nobody wants to have unhappy pets!
- Older adults will be frightened and not know how to “turn the noise off.”
- Babies and small children will be scared and the noise will hurt their ears.
- 1,300 homes burn as a result of fireworks.
- 300 vehicles burn as a result of fireworks.
Places in L.A. to see fireworks include:
- Hollywood Bowl
- Griffith Observatory
- Cabrillo Beach
- Dodger Stadium
- Exposition Park
- Grand Park
And dozens of other local neighborhood options. See map here.
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