On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) was joined by County of Los Angeles First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley, and other public safety partners for the joint LACoFD-LAFD annual Fourth of July Press Conference.
Held at the LACoFD Cecil Gehr Training Center in East Los Angeles, Chiefs Marrone and Crowley, along with Supervisor Solis, were joined by CAL FIRE Deputy Director Frank Bigelow, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Robert Luna, Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Gerald Woodyard, California Highway Patrol Lieutenant Steve Carapia, and UCLA West Valley Medical Center Burn Services Director Byron Arrivillaga to emphasize the significance of fireworks safety, the dangers of using illegal fireworks, and encouraged community members to attend a professional fireworks show.
During the press conference, LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone shared, “By acting responsibly, we can effectively protect and safeguard the wellbeing of our residents and communities, and substantially reduce the risk of someone getting hurt.” He further stated, “We urge everyone to attend professional fireworks shows, drone displays, or enjoy the many fireworks shows on broadcasted networks,” a sentiment that was echoed by LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley during her remarks.
Supervisor Solis, in her address to the public, emphasized the harmful effects of illegal fireworks (and associated penalties), the dangers of street takeovers, and the importance of community safety for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
A pyrotechnic expert demonstrated how illegal fireworks can burn users and start dangerous fires, especially in areas vulnerable to wildfires.
In 2023, there were (21) fireworks related injuries reported in the County of Los Angeles. During the one-month period, comprised of two weeks before and two weeks after the Fourth of July holiday, LACoFD firefighters responded to 86 fires reportedly caused by fireworks that resulted in $95,000 of property loss and damage to affected residents.
The County of Los Angeles Fire Department encourages everyone to attend professional fireworks show.
For a list of professional fireworks shows in Los Angeles County, please call (888) 654-FIRE (3473) or visit /fireworks-safety-and-july-4th-celebration-information/
