Before you dress in red, white and blue for July 4, know what you can and can’t do for the celebrations on Saturday in Inglewood and South LA.
Yes, barbecue with your friends and family.
No, don’t purchase and shoot fireworks — they’re illegal! Inglewood voters recently rejected efforts to legalize fireworks in the city and LA County has their own fireworks protocols.
So here’s everything you need to know to celebrate Independence Day, legally.
Which fireworks are always illegal, dangerous or “safe and sane”?
“Fireworks” are defined as any device containing chemical elements and chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical or thermal effects which are useful as pyrotechnic devices or for entertainment, according to the California state code.
“Safe and sane” fireworks are defined by state code as any fireworks that were approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and have been carefully tested and examined by the State Fire Marshal. A list of localities that allow safe and sane fireworks can be found here.
“Illegal fireworks” are defined by the California State Fire Marshal as any item that explodes, rises in the air or moves about the ground, or any fireworks that are not approved and labeled “safe and sane” by the state agency.
Examples of illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, cherry bombs, firecrackers and helicopters.
Many of these fall into the “dangerous fireworks” category that can be found on the county fire department’s website.
Tips when using “safe and sane” fireworks
The LA County Fire Department provided the following tips for using safe and sane fireworks:
- Always read directions and use common sense.
- Have an adult present.
- Use outdoors only away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.
- Light one at a time, then move away quickly.
- Keep others at a safe distance.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never alter or take apart.
- Do not give to young children under any circumstances.
- Have a bucket of water handy for emergencies and for dousing misfired and spent fireworks.
- Never attempt to re-light or fix malfunctioning fireworks.
OK I can’t use fireworks, but where can I watch them?
Yes, the LA County Fire Department put together a list of public firework displays around LA County.
We’ve also put together a July 4 events guide for Inglewood and South LA.
